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c/iJ^ CiJcZK. ui^-f^^lcr. 



HISTORY 



HANCOCK COUNTY, 

INDIANA, 



FROM ITS EARLIEST SETTLEMENT BY THE'T\\Lli 
FACE," IN i8 18, DOWN TO 1 882. 



iLLUSTRATIiD WITH ViEWS, Maps, ChAUTS, PlATS, 

Portraits, Sketches and Dia(;rams, 



FIRST EDITION, 




PRACTICING ATTORNEY, GREENFIELD, IND EX-COUNTY AND 

CITY SUPERINTENDENT, AND LATE PROFESSOR OF 

LAW IN THE CENTRAL INDIANA NORMAL 



KING & BINFORD, PUBLISHERS. 



< ; li HEXFIELD, IN OLA X A : 
Wh.LIAM MlTCHKLL, SteAM HooK AXO [oi; PkiviI.K. 

1SS2. 









Entered, accoidiiig to Act of Congress, in the year iSSj, by 

j. II. HIXFOKD. 

In tlic OfRce of the Librarian of Consrress. at Washinsfton. D. C. 



PREFACE. 



Nearl}' forty years have elapsed since the first newspa- 
per was established in Greenfield, and it is a singular 
omission that there has never been a history of the covintv 
published. In this respect Hancock is behind her sister 
counties. 

The necessity of the work at this time is apparent to all. 
The first settlers, in whose bosoms are contained our 
unwritten local history, are fast passing away, and it is our 
duty to snatch from oblivion those facts, figures and items 
of interest worthy of record ere it is too late. 

The sketch of Westland Church and school contained 
herein was furnished by John Brown, an old citizen, and 
the onlv man livino- who knew all the facts, and in the 
absence of the records, which were burned, could furnish 
the same, and he is now no more on earth, save in mem- 
or}'. Other instances might be cited. Had the publication 
of the work been postponed a few years, much of the 
rarest and best histor}^ of the county would have been 
forever lost. Besides, it is a dutv we owe to the memory 
of the noble fathers who have cleared the forests, made 
the roads, and prepared this fair land for our habitation, to 
]-)reserve a record of their li\es and noble acts. 

The plan of the work is simple and convenient. The 
reader is first furnished with a bird's-eye view of the 
county, from which he obtains a general idea of the terri- 
tory to be surveyed and the magnitude of the undertaking. 
The townships are then considered in regular alphabetical 
order, and discussed as fully as practicable, consistent with 
the limits of the work. Followin<; these are numerous 



VI PREFACE. 

chapters, charts, tables, essays, sketches, biographies and 
discussions of all matters of historical interest in the county. 

It has been the constant aim of the publishers to furnish 
a complete histor}- in every respect, including an elaborate 
pen picture of the present. Portraits and personal sketches 
of the prominent men of the count}- and all the county 
officers will be found herein. The heavy tax-payers, all 
the business men and officers are noted in the proper place, 
that our patrons may have a book to hand down to their 
children and grandchildren that will give them not only 
our past history, but such a coni]ilele view of the present, 
as we should be happv to iiave of the -past, when our 
parents and grandparents were the pioneers, county and 
township officers, tax-pavers and business men of the day. 

The publishers have striven to give a fair and impartial 
history, without fear or favor, regardless of race, color, 
party, sect, or an\' other consideration, hence tlie reader 
will tind herein sketches and portraits of representative 
men, past and present, white and colored, rich and poor, 
churchmen and non-churchmen, nati\e-born and foreign- 
ers, Whigs, Free-Soilers, Know-Nothings, Republicans, 
Democrats and Nationals. 

The publishers are vain enough to think tliat tlie book 
will be interesting, not onlv as a volume to be read, but as 
a work of reference on all important data connected with 
the county. They have endeavored to give their patrons 
more, in ever}- respect, than was promised in the prospectus. 
The book contains a hundred and Hftv pages extra, twice 
as many portraits, vastly more "rule and hgure " work, 
and is fuller and better in contents and mechanical make-up 
than was originall}- contemplated or ever represented. In 
making these additions, however, it has delayed the deliv- 
ery of the work somewhat, but, in view of the extra labor 
and expense expended thereon, they trust their friends will 
be satisfied. To partial!}^ offset this extra outla}-, which 
the publishers were scarcely justifiable in making on a 
work with necessarily a small circulation, owing to the 
limited territorv, thev have introduced a verv few adver- 



PREFACE. Vll 

tisements in the rear of the book, and there only. Not a 
cent has ever been received or asked for any notice in the 
various "business directories " herein, nor for any biogra- 
phy, personal sketch or other complimentary remark about 
any person or propert}', man or matter. Only what follows 
page 536 is subject to the charge of "paid notice," and 
even that in a few years \\\\\ be valuable history, and appre- 
ciated bv the public as showing who were some of the 
enterprising business men of. to-day. The publishers em- 
phatically repudiate an}- charge that may be made, as is 
often done against county histories, that it is made up of 
"advertisements'' and "paid puffs." 

The first steps looking torvvard toward the publication 
01 this work were taken about a year ago by King i& Har- 
den, the latter of whom did most of the canvassing, and 
aided materially in getting the work under headway, when 
he sold his interest, September tirst, to J. H. Binford, who 
had previously been employed to do the writing, since 
which the new tirm of King & Bintbrd have been the sole 
proprietors and managers, and upon the former has 
devohed largely the labor of collecting the materials from 
official and other sources. 

In presenting this work to the public the publishers beg 
the indulgence of their patrons and friends for any errors 
that may have crept in. The materials have been collected 
from various sources, at a considerable expenditure of time, 
labor and patience, and the memories of some of the aged 
pioneer reporters being a little deficient, their accounts 
may occasionally differ, yet it is believed on the whole to 
be correct, more so perhaps than are histories generally, 
vet, should the reader discover errors, as he doubtless will, 
let him "pass them lightly o'er," for no one regrets their 
occurrence more than the writer. As to the style of the 
composition, it was intended to be plain and simple and 
as free from the diffuse, labored and pompous as possible, 
but is not at all times as far removed from some of these 
detects as would have been had the writer had the time to 
rczuritc and properly revise, but such was impossible in 



Vlll PREFACE. 

the limited time that could be spared from his other duties. 
As to the comprehensiveness of the work, should any one 
look in vain for some biography or early reminiscence, let 
such a one remember that it is impossible to crowd in a 
single volume an account of everything of interest in a 
county of the size and age of Hancock. To do so would 
require a half-dozen such works as this and more labor 
and expense than the legitimate patronage would warrant, 
hence it is onlv a question of a judicious selection of mate- 
rials and representative facts. However, there are a few 
churches, individuals, bands, lodges and other matters left 
unnoticed that would have received proper attention, not- 
withstanding the amount of matter claiming admittance, 
had the publishers been able to tind any person sufficiently 
interested in perpetuating their memory to open the bolted 
doois or furnish the necessary facts, but perhaps " what is 
our loss is their gain/' 

As to the arrangement ol the portraits, with the excep- 
tion of a few mistakes, it is the best that could be done 
under the circumstances, consistent with an even distribu- 
tion of the same and a logical treatment of the subject. 
In this respect, as in every other, the publishers have 
endeavored to be wholly impartial and non-sectional, hence 
each township is fully and fairly represented, the contrast 
being seldom greater than the difference in size and popu- 
lation. 

To Senator Ben Harrison, State Superintendent John 
M. Bloss, the county officers, older citizens of the county, 
and others who have contributed materials and substantial 
encouragement to the enterprise, the publishers would 
return their sincere thanks and make their final bow, 
admitting, after all, that how well they have succeeded is 
for their patrons to decide, whose verdict is irrevocable. 

KING & BINFORD. 



ILLUSTRATIONS. 



I. VIEWS. 

Pagje. 

Ccnirt House 36 

School House 38 

First Log Cabin in Greenfield 179 

II. MAPS. 

Hancock County in 1S2S 30 

1 lancock County in 1S3.! Sy 

Hancock County in 1S50 32 

I lancock County in 1S53 34 

III. CHARTS. 

Distances and Post-offices ^4.: 

(Jeneral Facts Talnilated 47S 

Local Facts Tabulated 482 

IV. PLATS. 

Blue- River Township 4<j 

Hrandywine Township 77 

IJrown Townsliip SS 

Huck-Creek Township 113 

Center Township 141 

(Jreen Township 20S 

Jackson Township 231 

"Sugar-Creek Township 273 

^'ernon Tow nsh i p 311 

V. PORTRAITS. 



Page. 

Anictt, S. II 130 

Addison, John 266 

l?iadlev, Nelson 40 

Binford, f. H 466 

Hohn, P."T 247 

Harnard, William C 305 

I'inford, Robert 455 

Harrett, Charles E 459 

liradley, Elizabeth, frontispiece 2 

Carter, Joseph J 226 

Chandler. Morgan 20 

Collins, Thomas 22q 

Curry, I. A 337 

Cass, Anaretta 221 

Doctors, Group of 22 

Dickerson, S. T 204 

Downing, Charles 369 

I'reeman, B. F 199 

I'orts, Joseph 237 

l-"oster, John 255 

(iroup of Doctors 22 

(iroup of Superintendents iiS 

( jooding, Matilda 2S3 

(Jooding, D. S 56 

Gooding, O. P 512 

(}illum,C. B 412 

Hart, A. T 15S 

Hawk, James C 309 

Hill, Samuel B 321 

Howard, N. P., Sen 362 

Harris, Lee O 372 

I larden, Samuel 402 

Howard, N. P.,Jr 415 



PAGli. 



Hough, AVilliam R 

Judkins, Elam I 

King, James K 

Knox, George L 

Marsh, Ephraim 

Marsh, John L 

McNamee, Benjamin 

Martin, S. M 

New, James A 

Pope, Aaron 

Pope, John H 

Reeves, B. F 

Roberts, N. H 

Roberts, Mary N 

Riley, J. W 

Superintendents, Group of. 

Smith, William P 

Stuart, T. G 

Smith, R. A 

Smith, Robert 

Sparks, William J 

Smith, Jonathan 

Trees, \Villiam 

Troy, S. A.. 

Tvncr, Elijah 

Thompson, William 11.... 

Warrum, Noble 

Wilson, Sarah f 

AVilliams, Wesley 

Wright, Henry 

Wright, William M 

Wolf, John 

Walker, Meredith 



'V 

4i 

SS 

III 
301 
364 
3S. 

«5 

106 

33 > 
420 

494 
iiS 

35^ 

S'.S 

497 

^4 

% 
22S 
263 

220 
268 
34S 
41S 

.397 

5or> 



VI. DIAGRAMS. 



One, two, three and four on surveying and land descriptions. 4S7-492. 



INDEX. 



Pace. 
47 



Allorncys 

A Teacher's Experience 

Arnett, S. H 

Addison, John 

Mien, Thompson 

Alyea, James 

Associate Judges 

Additions to Greenfield 

Additions to Charlottsville 245 

15ird's-eye View of County 25 

49 

:.::::: II 

"3 

304 

269 



,S2 
1 29 
265 

59 
407 
3SS 

75 



likie-River Township. 
r>raiidywine Township. 

Hrown Township 

Uuck-Creek Townsliip. 
15arnard, William C. . . . 
l!ohn,P. J. 



ISinUird, James L 64 

Hanks, J. P 405 

Kcntlcy, Thomas E 40^ 

I'nisiness Directory of (ireenfield . . . 1S6 

r.radley. Nelson.." 3j4 

llradlev, Elizabeth 410 

I'.ottstord, Clara 1 310 

lieeson, Amos C 420 

liinford, Robert 4155 

l'.arrett, Charles E. . . 4'rg 

l!i"to'-d,J. H ](S5 

lirandy wine Brass Band S5 

I'.lue-Kiver Township, Sequel 395 

r.randywine Township, Sequel 

IJible Society 

Buck-Creek "Township, Continued 

Hand, Cornet, Greenfield 

Hand, Cornet, New Palestine 

Band, Cornet, Brandy wine 

Charts, General 

Charts, County 4S2 

County Fair 4^9 

Cemeteries 428 

Courts 3S4 

Court-house.. 36-3S6 

Commissioners 46 

Circuit Judges 3Sj 



404 

447 
124 
203 

2^ 

47S 



Commissioners'' Court.. 

Center Township 

Center Township, Continued 

Cut of First Cabin 

Cass, Anaretta 



3S4-5 
141 



Commmon Pleas Court 

Courts in Churches and Seminary. 

County Officers 

C[irter, Joseph J 

Collins, Thomas 



Circuit Court 3S4-391 

Courts of Conciliation " 392 

'' ^. ^. . -^^ 

3S6 

226 
108 

Curry, Isaiah A 3^8 

Coffin, Elihu, Sen 65 

Collyer, Wellington 40; 

Chandler, Morgan 3-T 

Craft, John A 2-1 

Chapman, Joseph. .^21; 

Commandery, Hancock 421 

Curry's Chapel, M, E 202 

COrnct Band, Greenfield 203 

Coinet Band, New Palestine 299 

Center Church, Friends 261 

249 



Charlottesville 241; 

Charlottesville Directory 24S 

CarroUton gi 

Cemeteries of Greenfield 17S 

Dennis, Augustus 66 

l>ow, Eorenzo 1 22 

Dickerson, Stephen T 20^ 

Downing, Charles -^-'o 



Pag I'.. 

Dye, John E 41 j 

Directory of Palestine 290 

Directory of Philadelphia 292 

Dunbar," H.J 4-S 

Dunkard Church 33^ 

Diagrams 48;' 

Daughters of Rebecca 104 

Distances, Table of 442 

Directory, Greenfield 1S6 

Derry, Samuel 170 

Directory, Offici.al 46 

Exemption Laws 39^ 

Ex-County Officers . 484 

Eden Chapel 85 

Eden Chapel, Green 'J'ownsliij) 224 

Eden Church, ISaptist 230 

Eureka Lodge 195 

Eden, Town of 223 

Ex-Officurs, Center Townsliip 160 

Edwards I-odge 334 

Freeman, Benj. F 30S 

Fort, Joseph 366 

Foster, John 410 

Faut, E. H 461 

Forkner, Mark E 4^2 

Fortville Church, M. E 336 

Friends' Church, Charlottesville. , . . 257 

Friends' Church, Westland 399 

Friends' Church, AVestern Grove. . . 7^ 

Friends' Church, Center 261 

Farmers' Insurance 399 

Fair, County 43CJ 

First Cabin jyy 

Fires in Greenfield 182 

Frost, William 16^ 

Growth of County 436 

Gilliam, C. B ... 422 

Gooding, David S 451 

Gooding, O. 1' 463 

Gooding, Matilda 460 

Greenfield M. E. Church 197 

German M. P. Church 29- 

German Lutheran Church 360 

Gilboa M. K. Church 400 

Green Township 20S 

Greenfield Cornet Band 205 

Greenfield, City of 172 

Greenfield Business Directory 186 

Greenfield School Building " 38 

Green Township, Continued 223 

Gem P. O 204 

Hall, H. H., Letter of i^j 

Hart,Andrew T ^(^ 

Hawk, James C 355 

Harris, Lee O 371 

Howard, N. P., Senior 372 

Hill, Samuel B 400 

Harrison Township 115S 

Harlan, Stephen 107 

Hopkins, John D 126 

Hough, William R 3S0 

Howard, N. P., Jr 41^ 

Hopewell Church 124 

Hancock Medical Society 366 

History of Schools "430 

Hancock County in 1828 30 

Hancock County in 1S32 89 

Hancock County in 1S50. 32 

Hancock County in 1SS2 34 

Hays, John '. 161 

Harris, Mrs. George 161 

I. 0,0. F., (ireenfield 193 

I. O. O. K., Warrington 104 

I. 0.0. F., Charlottesville 269 

I. O. O. F.. Fortville 334 



INDEX. 



II 



I.O. (). F., McCorilsvilli; 

I. O. G. T 

hiy, R. G 

"judkins, James 

jiulkins. Eliun I 

Johns, Koliison 

Jackson Township 

Jackson Township, Continued. . .. 

"iMils 

(ackson Township Scliools 

"King, T:imes K 

Knox, Gcorsje L 

Kcenier, William, Mobbed 

Landis, Mrs. Mary 

l.ick-Creck Church 

^^arsh, Jonas 

Marsh, John I^ 

McXamee. Benjamin 

Marsh, Ephraini 

Muth, Georjre 

Martin, Samuel M 

Mason, James L 

Milner's Corner 

Mt. Olivet Church 

Mt. Gillead Church 

Mt. Carniel Cluirch 

Macedonia Church ; . . . 

Missionary Union Baptist Church . 

Mt. Carmel, of Vernon 

McCordsville M. E. Church 

Masons, (Jreenfield 

Masons, Charlottesville 

Masons, AVarrington 

Masons, Eden 

Masons, New Palestine 

Masons, Fortville , 

Masons. McCordsville 

INIanitau Tribe 

Medical Profession 

McCordsville 

Methodism in Greenfield 

Nameless Creek Church 

.New Palestine M. E. Church 

NiUarjrer. John 

New, ]amesA 

Newby, E. P 

Nashville 

New Palestine Band , 

-New Palestine, Town of 

■Offutt, Charles G 

Odd Fellows. Greenfield 

Odd Fellows. Warrinijloii 

Odd F'ellows, Charlottesville. 

Odd Fellows, Fortville 

Odd Fellows. McCordsville 

Order of Good Templars 

■Our Country 

Official Directory 

Our Forefathers 

Paris. Lewis B 

Post Offices ... 

Philadelphia M. E. Church 

Pleasant Grove M. E. Church . . . . 

I'leasant Hill M. E. Church 

Pleasant View M. E. Church 

Presbyterians 

Papers of Greenfield 

Prog^ress of Schools 

Prefession , Medical 

Porter, William H 

Parker, Georjre W 

Pope, Aaron 

l'ope,John II 

Pierson, Morris 

Patterson, Andrew M 

Probate Courts 

I'etit lurv 



P.\GE. I 

'9+ 



370 
379 
40,? 
-'3' 
245 
39? 
25' 
473 
4" 
16S 
270 



1 1 1 
300 
373 
40S 
419 

457 
223 

.';7 



132 

261 

341 
340 

260 

103 

227 
300 
334 
.335 
333 

354 
3.30 
197 

298 
107 
416 
470 

99 
299 
2S9 
469 
192 
104 
269 
334 
336 
194 

'^ 
343 
171 
36-44^ 
294 
124 
254 
39S 
19s 
440 

430 
354 

86 

I2<) 
306 
406 

349 

93S 
3S5 



Pagk. 

Palestine 289 

Philadelphia 292 

Roberts, Mrs. Isaac SC-^ 

Roberts, N. H 40S 

Roberts, Miss Mary N 419 

Reeves, Benjamin F" 104 

Real Estate 444 

Roberts Chapel 225 

Recapitulation, Green Townsliip. . . . 222 

Reedy, Jerry and Son 166 

Railroads 44 

Sug'ar-creek Township 273 

Sujifar-creek Township, Continued . . 2S9 

Streams 2S 

Shiloah Church 62 

Sujrar-creek Church 84 

Su^ar-creek M. E. Church 202 

Synopsis, Jackson Township 244 

Synopsis, Greenfield 184^ 

Streets and Walks in Greenfield .... 184 

Suicide, Wm. Wood 163 

Stuart, Isaac 162 

Surveyinij 485 

Safe Robbery 474 

Sequel to Brandvwine Township.. . . 404 

Sequel to Blue-river Township 49^ 

Shelby, Joshua W 12S 

Shultz, Joseph F 271 

Smith, R. A 350 

Smith, W.P 351 

Sparks, Wm. J 3^7 

Smith, Jonathan 376 

Smith, Robert 427 

Stuart, J. G 405 

Sample, James 452 

Slifer, Jacob 456 

Sardis Lodge 260 

St. Thomas Catholic Church 339 

Tempeiancein Blue-river 396 

Temperance in Fortville 33^ 

Tyner, Elijah 58 

Trees, William 10.1 

Troy, S. A 228 

Thomas, Phineas 108 

Tvner, James 406 

Thomas, Hiram 407 

Thompson, Wm. II 425 

Township Trustees 47 

Table of Distance 442 

Taverns. Fir.st. 1S6 

Union, W. C. Temperance .333 

Union Chapel 125 

United Brethren loi 

Vernon Township 310 

Vernon Township, Continued 326 

Warrington 98 

Willow Branch 99 

Wood, Wm . S 163 

\Vilson, Sarah J 219 

Western Grove 7.> 

Wcstland 399 

Woodburv, M. E. Church 339 

Wolf's Mill 395 

Warrum, Harmon 60 

Wright, Joseph 131 

Walker, Meredith 272 

Warrum, Noble 262 

Williams, Wesley 267 

Winn, Joseph 342 

Walpole, Thomas D 413 

AVolf, John 401 

Wright, Ilenrv 4'<'^ 

Wright, AVm. 'M 418 

White, John H 4.5^' 

Woodbury .332 

Will, L. Dow's i.W 

Zion's Chapel loi 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 
uird's-eye view of county. 
Location, size, bounciary, orgariization, origin of name, population in 1S2S and iSSj.. 
voters, condition of county then and now by comparison and contrast, topography, soil, 
w-iter, health, exports formerly and at present, productions in bushels, limber, gravely 
sand, streams, map of county in 1S2S, origin and organization of townships, plat of 
county from iSjo to 1S53, first settlers, plat of county from 1S53 to present, early inci- 
dents, post-offices and villages, cut of court-house, public buildings, cut of Greenfield 
school building, taxes for 1S32 and other years, railroads, papers, intelligence, home of 
prominent men, poets and politicians, churches, loyalty, official directory. 25-4S. 

CHAPTER II, 

nr.ii:-Ri\EK TOWNSHIP. 
Plat, origin of name, organization, changes in territorj', location, boundary, si/.u. 
streams, first mills, first township settled, first log cabin, blacksmith, school-house, 
orchard, stcri and fence, early incidents, first settlers, scenery, soil^ surface, prosperity, 
educational and church advantages, mills and factories, roads and railroads, population, 
value of real and personal property, taxes, heavy tax payers, justices, physicians, early 
and modern merchants, ex-trustees, former citizens living elsewhere, ex-county officers, 
exports, value of school property, politics and population. 49-57. 

CHAPTER III. 

ULLE-KIVER TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Mount Olivet Church, Luse's tile-factory, Rule''s saw-mill, Elijah Tyner, Adam 
Allen's pioneer life, history of Shiloah Church, James L. Binford, Elihu Coffin, Sen., 
personal sketch of Augustus Dennis, sketch ot the pioneer life of Harmon Warruin, 
Western Grove Church. 57-76. 

CHAPTER I\'. 

BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, origin of name, when organized and of what it consisted, changes in territory, 
location, boundary and size, streams, first and present mills, first settlers, topography, 
timber, roads and railroads, a few first things, schools, value of school property, popu- 
lation, polls and politics, valuation and taxation, heavy tax-payers, general items, 
ex-justices, trustees, ex-county officers, deaths, exports. 77-S3. 

CHAPTER V. 

UK ANDY WINE TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Carrollton, Sugar-Creek Church, Eden Chapel, brass band, William H. Porter, M rs_ 
Isaac Roberts. S3-S7. 

CHAPTER Vr. 

IIROWN TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, general view, plat of county in 1S32, explanations, suggestions and historical 
I'acts, location, boundary, size, timber and topography, streams, earliest land entries,, 
first settlers, first election, mills, muley and modern, roads, railroads, synopsis, teachers 
and schools, population, polls, vote, vahiation, taxes and tax-payers, murders, suicides 
an 1 rem i-kable deaths, township trustees, justices of the peace, ex-county officers, 
exports, si-i/'. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER VII. 



13 



HROWN TOWNSIIU' — CONTINUED. 

Warrington, Nashville, Willow Hrancli P. O., Concord Baptist Church, Zion's 
•Chapel, yi. E., the United Brethren, Christian Church at Warrington, Free Masons, I. 
O. O. F. of Warrington, Daughters of Rebecca, sketch and portrait of 15. F. Reeves, 
Steplien Harlan, John Nibarger, Phineas Thomas, Thomas Collins, Dr. William Trees, 
Jonas Marsh, sketch and portrait of Dr. John L. Marsh. 9S-112. 

CHAPTER VI!I. 

HUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, name, changes in size, location, surface, soil and drainage, streams, first settle- 
ment and land entry, first settlers, first births, deaths, marriages, burials, suicide, 
preacher, teacher, doctor and blacksmith, mills, merchandising, cut of Superintendents, 
■educational, synopsis, roads, railroad, population, vote, polls, value of real and personal 
property, taxes and heavy tax-payers, ex-county officers, productions, physicians, justices 
• of the peace, township trustees, prominent families, murder and suicide. 113-123. 

CHAPTER IX. 

BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP — CONTINLliD. 

Hopewell 'M. E. Church, Pleasant Grove M. E. Church, Union Chapel, John D. Hoii- 
Ikins, Joshua Shelby, George W. Parker, S. H. Arnett's biography and portrait, Joseph 
Wright, Barzilla G.Jay, Macedonia Churcli, Eorenzo Dow. 124-140. 

CHAPTER X. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP. 

Plat of township, origin of name, changes in boundary, size, surface, soil, drainage 
and productions, streams, first entry and early settlers, first preacher, birth, death, &c., 
mills and factories, roads, railroads, educational, number and name of houses and teach- 
ers, portrait of James K. King, value of school-houses and apparatus, scholastic popula- 
tion, township trustees, churches, population, polls and vote, value of real and personal 
property, taxes and heavy tax-payers, law and esquires, portrait Andrew T. Hart, 
first settlers of Harrison township, first business, ex-county officers, murders, suicides 
and remarkable deaths, portrait of William Trees, M. D., exports, remarks. 141-172. 

CHAPTER XI. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Greviifie/d, laid out in 1S2S, size and naming of town, report of commissioners 
appointed by General Assembly, outline of old to\yn, additions 1-23, cemeteries, cut of 
first cabin in town, early history, post-office, sidewalks, first business bricks, private 
residences, other buildings, remarks, big fires, incorporation as town and city, streets, 
synopsis, first doctors, first attorneys, first business men, first taverns, business directory, 
'Citv officers. 172-igo. 

CHAPTER XII. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP— CONTINUED. 

Masonic Lodge ioi,I. O. O. F". 135, Eureka Lodge No. 20, K. of P., Greenfield 
Lodge No. 1S4, 1. O. G. T., Presbyterian Church, Greenfield Methodism, portrait of Ben- 
jamin Freeman, Mt. Gilead Church, Curry's Chapel, Sugar-Creek M. E. Church, Mt. 
Carmel M. E. Church, Greenfield Cornet Band, sketch and portrait of S. T. Dicker- 
son. 101-207. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

GREEN TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, name and organization, location, size and boundary, surface, soil, drainage and 
productions, streams, first land entries and first settlers, first election, historical anec- 
dote, a few first things, mills, roads, educational, township trustees, churches, popula- 
tion and poll, value of real and personal property, taxes, law and esquires, first business, 
physicians, ex-county officers, prominent families, murders and fatal accidents, portraits 
of Sarah Jane Wilson and Anuretta Cass, recapitulation. 20S-222. 



CONTENTS. 



CHAPTER I. 



bird"s-eye view of county. 
Location, size, boundary, organization, origin of name, population in 1S2S and iSSu. 
voters, condition of county then and now by comparison and contrast, topography, soil. 
water, health, exports formerly and at present, productions in bushels, limber, gravel,, 
sand, streams, map of county in 1S2S, origin and organization of townships, plat ol 
county from 1S50 to 1853, first settlers, plat of county from 1S53 to present, early inci- 
dents, post-offices and villages, cut of court-house, public buildings, cut of Greenfield 
school building, taxes for 1S32 and other years, railroads, papers, intelligence, home of 
prominent men, poets and politicians, churches, loyalty, official directory. 25-4S. 

CHAPTER II. 

HIA'E-RIVEIi TOWNSIIIP. 

Plat, origin of name, organization, changes in territory, location, boundary, size, 
.streams, first mills, first township settled, first log cabin, blacksmith, school-house, 
orchard, stcr^ aud fence, early incidents, first settlers, scenery, soil^ surf.ace, prosperity, 
educational and church advantages, mills and factories, roads and railroads, population, 
value of real and personal property, taxes, heavy tax payers, justices, physicians, early 
and modern merchants, ex-trustees, former cilizens living elsewhere, ex-county officers, 
exports, value of school property, politics and population. 49-57. 

CHAPTER 111. 

BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Mount Olivet Church, Luse's tile-factory. Rule's saw-mill, Elijah Tvner, Adam 
Allen's pioneer life, history of Shiloah Church, James L. Binford, Elihu Coffin, Sen., 
personal sketch of Augustus Dennis, sketch of the pioneer life of Harmon Warrum. 
Western Grove Church. 57-76. 

CHAPTER IV. 

nRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, origin of name, when organized and of what it consisted, changes in territory, 
location, boundary and size, streams, first and present mills, first settlers, topography ,. 
timber, roads and railroads, a few first things, schools, value of school property, pojiu- 
lalion, polls and politics, valuation and taxation, heavy tax-payers, general items, 
ex-justices, trustees, ex-county officers, deaths, exports. 77-S3. 

CHAPTER V. 

BRANDVWINE TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Carrollton, Sugar-Creek Church, Eden Chapel, brass band, William If. Porter, Mrs_ 
Isaac Roberts. S3-S7. 

CHAPTER VI. 

BROWN TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, general view, plat of county in 1S32, explanations, suggestions and historical 
facts, location, boundary, size, timber and topography, streams, earliest land entries,, 
first settlers, first election, mills, muley and modern, roads, railroads, synopsis, teachers 
and schools, population, polls, vote, valuation, taxes and tax-payers, murders, suicides 
an 1 remi-kable deaths, township trustees, justices of tlie peace, ex-county officers. 
exports. si-</\ 



CONTENTS. 13 

CHAPTER VII. 

BROWN TOWNSHIP — CONTIN'UED. 

Warrington, Nashville, Willow Branch P. O., Concord Baptist Church, Zion's 
■Chapel, M. E., the United Brethren, Christian Church at Warrington, Free Masons, 1. 
■O. O. F. of Warrington, Daughters of Rebecca, sketch and portrait of B. F. Reeves, 

Stephen Harlan, John Nibarger, Phineas Thomas, Thomas Collins, Dr. William Trees, 

Jonas Marsh, sketch and portrait of Dr. John L. Marsh. 9S-112. 

CHAPTER VIII. 

BL'CK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, name, changes in size, location, surface, soil and drainage, streams, first settle- 
inent and land entry, first settlers, first births, deaths, marriages, burials, suicide, 
[ireacher, teacher, doctor and blacksmith, mills, merchandising, cut of Superintendents, 
•educational, svnopsis, roads, railroad, population, vote, polls, value of real and personal 
propertv, taxes and heavy tax-payers, ex-county officers, productions, physicians, justices 
■ of tlie peace, township trustees, prominent families, murder and suicide. 1 13-123. 

CHAPTER IX. 

BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Hopewell M. E. Church, Pleasant Grove M. E. Church, Union Chapel, John D. Hop- 
Ikins, Joshua Shelby, George W. Parker, S. H. Arnetfs biography and portrait, joseiih 
Wright, Barzilla G. Jay, Macedonia Church, Lorenzo Dow. 124-140. 

CHAPTER X. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP. 

Plat of township, origin of name, changes in boundary, size, surface, soil, drainage 
and productions, streams, first entry and early settlers, first preacher, birth, death, &c., 
mills and factories, roads, railroads, educational, number and name of houses and teach- 
ers, portrait of James K. King, value of school-houses and apparatus, scholastic popula- 
ition, township trustees, churches, population, polls and vote, value of real and personal 
propertv, taxes and heavy tax-payers, law and esquires, portrait Andrew T. Hart. 
first settlers of Harrison township, first business, ex-county officers, murders, suicides 
and remarkable deaths, portrait of William Trees, M. D., exports, remarks. 141-172. 

CHAPTER XI. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Greenfield, laid out in 1S2S, size and naming of town, report of commissioners 

appointed by General Assembly, outline of old tovyn, additions 1-23, cemeteries, cut of 

first cabin in town, early history, post-office, sidewalks, first business bricks, private 

residences, other buildings, remarks, big fires, incorporation as town and city, streets, 

synopsis, first doctors, first attorneys, first business men, first taverns, business directory, 

•citv officers. 172-190. 

CHAPTER XII. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP — CONTINUED. 

Masonic Lodge ioi,I. O. O. F. 135, Eureka Lodge No. 20, K. of P., Greenfield 
Lodge No. 184,1. O. G. T., Presbyterian Church, Greenfield Methodism, portrait of Ben- 
jamin Freeman, Mt. Gilead Church, Curry's Chapel, Sugar-Creek M. E. Church, Mt. 
Carmel M. E. Church, Greenfield Cornet Band, sketch and portrait of S. T. Dicker- 
son. 101-207. 

CHAPTER XIII. 

GREEN TOWNSHIP. 

Plat, name and organization, location, size and boundary, surface, soil, drainage and 
productions, streams, first land entries and first settlers, first election, historical anec- 
dote, a few first things, mills, roads, educational, township trustees, churches, popula- 
tion and poll, value of real and personal property, taxes, law and esquires, first business, 
phvsicians, ex-county officers, prominent families, murders and fatal accidents, portraits 
of Sarah Jane Wilson and .Xnaretta Cass, recapitulation. 20S-222. 



1 6 CONTENTS. 

Jr., Ilcnry Wright, James A. New, John E. Hye, portrait ami sketcli of Win. Wriglit, 
Dr. S. M. Martin, Miss Mary X. Roberts, sl<etch and jKirtrait, Amos C. Beeson, A. M. 
E. Church, Hancock Commandery No. 6, a bit of school liistory, William II. Thomp- 
son, Joseph Chapman, Robert Smith, cemeteries of the county. 409-429. 

CHAPTER XXVIII. 

GENERAL TOPICS. 

Progress of our schools, portrait of John H. Pope, growth and carlj' incidents, 
county fair, papers of Hancock county, table of distances, post-offices, to grantees ami 
mortgagees of real estate. County Bible Society, Greenfield Christian Church, portrait 
of Jonathan Smith. 430-449. 

CHAPTER XXIX. 

PERSONAL SKETCHES AND URIEK WIOORAPHIES. 

Judge D. S. Gooding, James S.imple, sketch and portrait of Robert Binford. Jacob 
Slifer, John II. White, James L. Mason, H. J. Dunbar, sketch and portrait of C. E. Bar- 
rett, Matilda Gooding, Ernst II. Faut, Gen. O. P. Gooding, autobiography and portrait 
of J. H. Binford, Charles G. Oftutt, L. P. Newby, A. M. Patterson, Judge Forkner, J. K. 
King, safe robbery. 450-475. 

CHAPTER XXX. 

CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

Key to charts following, general cotemporaneous tabulated data, local cotempora- 
iieous tabulated data, list of ex-County Commissioners, surveyors. School Commissioners, 
School Examiners and County School Superintendents, United States rectangular survey, 
with diagrams and illustrations, our poets, poetry and portrait of J. W. Riley, Harvest 
Days of the Olden Time, by Lee O. Harris, portrait of R. A. Smith, Old Settlers' Song, 
by Samuel Brooks, Christ the Way, by R. P. Hill, An Apostrophe to Death, by J. H. 
Binford, The Storm and Unforgivcn, by Miss Bottsford,The Crucifixion, by R. A. Riley, 
Dr, J. G. Stewart, portrait of Meredith Walker. 476-506. 

CHAPTER XXXI. 

PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Introduction, the Mexican soldiers, three months men, portrait of Gen. O. P. (iood- 
ing, list of officers and soldiers of civil war, Morgan raid men, partial list of patrons. 



ERRATA. 



I'uEce 57, chapter III., slioulcl be followed by the subject of the chapter, ■" niue-Uiver 
I'ownship — Continued," similar in style to page 124. 

Page S3, chapter V., should be followed by the caption, " I5randywine Township — 
Continued,"' of which Carrollton is only a sub-head. 

Page 92, third paragraph, " niulv " should be " muley."' 

Page 9S. The manuscript made the subject of this chap'.er, " Brown Township — 
Continued," similar to page 223. 

On page 120, second line in last paragragh, total amount of taxes should be $6,463 26 
instead of " $646,326. " 

Page 205, fourth line from top, George Roberts should be Rafferty. 

Page 238, fourth line from the list of school-houses, "the final vote in 1S59" should 
be in " 1S49." 

Page 275, under streams, Buck creek passes out "south" and not "west" of the 
north-west corner. 

Page 312, fifth line from top after " Marion county," should be added "and Ham- 
ilton." 

Page 314. In last line of the second paragraph from bottom the word " Republican " 
should be " Whig." 

On page 319, last paragraph, third line from top, " 1S50" should be " 1S3S." 

On page 320, middle of first paragraph, the polls were "243" in iSSo instead of 
"582." 

Page 344, eighth line, the quotation should be " Afi aiiie couiiln','^ and the quotation 
in the next line should be " Meiiif Deutche fateflant.'''' 

Page 442, The distance from Eden to Carrollton, instead of " 7," should be " i6>^ " 
miles, and from Cleveland to Woodbury, instead of " 2)2," should be " 21 1^'," and from 
Carrollton to Milner's Corner, instead of " 2>j," should be " 21 " miles. 

Page 470, third line from bottom, " Hendricks " should be " Henry." 

Page 471, second line, " 1S72 " should be " 1S65." 

Page 479. In the column of important events for 1S35, " Locofoca " should be 
•' Locofoco," and for 1845 the representatives should be "George Henry and R. A. 
Riley." 

Page 4S0. For iS35 the representative first named should be "J. H. White." 

Page 4S7, third line, the words " survey, or" should be " surveyor." 



INTRODUCTION. 



After Christopher Cohimbus had returned from inakhig his 
great discoveries which brought another continent into exist- 
ence, all the enterj^rising nations of Europe fitted out vessels to 
make explorations in this land of promise, Spain sending her 
men to the Southern, France to the Northern and England to 
the Atlantic Coast of North America. Their claims necessa- 
rily conflicted, a-s the grants of Spain extended from the Gulf of 
Mexico to the Arctic Ocean, France from the Arctic Ocean to 
the Gulf of Mexico, and England passing over both of these 
from the Atlantic to the Pacific. 

Indiana was originalh' claimed as a part of Florida, which 
became a Spanish colony in 1543. Northern Indiana was 
included in the territory granted in 1620 to the Plymouth Com- 
pany by King James, and was therefore claimed by Great 
Britain, but the French possessed a superior claim, and retained 
the territory by establishing settlements and fortifications. 
Vincennes settlement, the first in what is now Indiana, was 
made in 1702, one hundred and eighty years ago. This terri- 
tory remained in the possession of the French until 1763, the 
close of the memorable French and Indian war, when by treaty 
it passed into the hands of the English. 

Indiana was at this time inhabited by the great Miami 
confederacy of Indians, whose territory embraced Indiana and 
the greater portion of Ohio, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin. 
Here the red men of the forests had held supreme control, 
unmolested in their rights for many years, an independent 
nation, commanding the respect of all the neighboring tribes. 
No wonder that when they saw the white man ad\ancing and 
taking possession of their beloved hunting-grounds tliat the 
latent passions which lay slumbering in their breasts burst forth 
with all the fury of uncivilized manhood. 

In 177S Colonel George Rodgers Clarke, witli four compa- 
nies of Virginians, captured Post \'incennes, but it was retaken 



INTRODUCTION. 



19 



by the British in the same year. In 1779 Colonel Clarke again 
recaptured it. The Indians now began their depredations on 
the settlers, and a body of men. under General Harmur, was 
sent against them, which was totally defeated, in what is now 
Allen county, by the famous Indian Chief, "Little Turtle." In 
1 791 General Charles Scott destroyed the Wea villages on the 
Wabash. After the defeat of Harmur, General St. Clair organ- 
ized a new force, which was also defeated near the present site 
of Fort Wayne. In 1794 General Wayne (familiarly known 
to the Indians as "Mad Anthony, a man who never slept") 
appeared against them, and completely humiliated the whole 
confederacy, moved on to the confluence of the St. Mary's and 
.St. Joseph rivers, and erected Fort Wayne. This for a time 
ended the Indian troubles. 

In 17S7 the North-west territor}- was organized, embracing 
the present States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Wiscon- 
sin and that part of Minnesota east of the Missisippi. In 1800 
Ohio was set apart as a separate territory, leaving the remainder 
of the North-west territory to constitute Indiana. Of this new 
Inaiana territory William H. Harrison, of Virginia, was the first 
Governor, and the seat of government was located at Vin- 
cennes. John Gibson, of Pennsylvania, was appointed Secre- 
tary ; William Clarke, Henry Vanderbourgh and John Griffin 
Territorial Judges. The whole white population then of what 
is now the great State of Indiana, with her hundreds of* thou- 
sands, was only 4.875, but about one- fourth of the population 
of Hancock county to-day. 

Indiana was first organized into three counties, viz: Knox, 
Randolph and St. Clair. In 1803 Clark was added and a con- 
vention held at the territorial capital, composed of delegates 
from the four counties. 

The first General Assemblv met at \'incennes in 1805. with 
delegates from the above counties and Dearborn, which had 
since been addeil. New counties have been organized from 
time to time, till there are now ninetv-twf) in the great 
"Hoosier"' State. Governor Harrison's address to the first 
legislative assembly in Indiana was full of patriotism and exhor- 
tation to faithful, honest (hit\ . In;liana territory was divided, 
and ^Michigan territory struck o'.Y and organized on the north 
in 1805. 

In the territorial code, frame* 1 in 1S07, we sec a wide (lifter- 



iN'iuomurioN. 21 

cmr liom i>,\\ |)i(-,tiit l.iw. Tici^ini, iniiidci, jimon iiiid 
lioi^r-sk'iilin^j wtic piiniJiiltlc liy dcjitli. Mim^^linij^litcr vviis 
piiniHlinldc accordint; l<> I lie coiiinioii l.iw. Tlio crimes of 
l)iir<^lMry and lohhciy vvfif jitin'i^lialilo l>y vvhippiiij^, rinc, and 
in some casc^ liy impiisonmcnt not cxicodin}^ forty ycaiH. 
Larceny vvjis pnni'^li;dilr l>y line and vvliip|)inj^. Forjifcry by 
line, dinfrancliisenient and slandin;^ in tiic |)ill<ii\' IIo-^-Kteal 
in-j^ Iiy line and wliippin^^. 

In iSo^ j('lVcrs(.n\ illc, llic preHClit county f»eal '>t (link 
eiinnly, was laid out at the lails (>\' the Oliin livel' aceoidin;^' (i> 
a plan proposed by President JeiVerson. 

I'd ween llic years 1805 (lli'l 1S07 Aaron r.in 1 , the m,in who 
at one time laeKid only one vote of heinj; President of the I Miited 
States, visited I he people of the ( )hio "Valley to ^et asKistniice 
to carry <"il iii'. pl;m ,, which were nndonl)lcd!v li cisoihihle to 
the ( Jeneral ( io\ ci nmenl. 

In iSoj IlliiioiK territory was cut from the western |)art (d' 
Indiana, comprisin;^ the territory west of the Wahash, from a 
line rnnnini^ north from Vincennes to the Dominion of (',ni;ida, 
and this now rcdni cil Indi.ina to her present limits, 

In iSio new Ironhles with the Indians commenK-d. A 
plan of ( ampaif^n was formed, which ended in the ^reat Indian 
hattlc of 'Pipi^ei inoe, where (Jeneral Harrison, routed the 
Indians i\ni\ caused them to sue for peace, hut the war of rSii 
comin;^^ on hrouj^'ht with it new difVicultics with the Indians. 
Many nnnders occ urre(l, ;ind I he frontier settlers wcre kept ill 
alarm nnlll the close of this second war with CJreat llritaill. 
The f.iinieis when working in the (iehls carrietl in I heir belts 
revolvers and knl\cs. 'The ^moi was laid on the jnonnd by a 
driven slake to mark the spot. Men then e\pe(tid lo be 
atta(d<e(I at any time, and were ready to act on Ihe 'spur of the 
nionien I . 

In I'iio till' lensus tables o| Indiana territory sliowi'd a 
population of 24,520; and there wci'c thirty-three ^rist-niills, 
fom teen saw-mills, three horse mills, ei{.jhteen tanneries, IvJcnly- 
(ii^lil ilisl'illirics, three p(»vvd(r mills, \,i^(> looms anfl i,'^50 
spin ninj^j wheels. 

In 1813 Ihe seal of j^overnmenl was removed tiom \'in- 
cennes tr» Corydon, the latter bein^ a more central point. 

In u\\.\ Ihr- territf)ry was divided into live districts, Wash- 
in;^toii and Kno\ (onstitutiii;^ oni-, ^iibson .and Warrick oni-, 



INTRODUCTION. 23 

Harrison and Clarke one, Jefferson and Dearborn one, ami 
Franklin and Wayne one, in each of which the voters were 
empowered to elect a member to the legislative council. 

Indiana adopted a constitution and %vas admitted to the 
l^nion in 1S16. Jonathan Jennings, under the new constitution, 
was elected first Governor of the State over Thomas Posev, 
who had been Governo'" of the territory, the vote standing 
5,211 to 3,934. In 1820 the site of the present seat of govern- 
ment was selected by commissioners appointed by the General 
Assembly. In 1825 the capital was removed from Corydon to 
Indianapolis. In 1834 the State Bank was chartered. In 1842 
imprisonment for debt was abolished. 

Indiana has had numerous Indian wars, and forty-four 
treaties have been made with the various tribes from time to 
time. 

Indiana, when the great rebellion threatened this countrv 
with destruction, came nobly to the front with her brave "bovs 
in blue,"' from time to time, to the number of 200,000. Few 
States can say as much ; and Hancock county was not afraid 
to marshal her forces and send them to the front to be trodden 
in the dust by the iron hoof of the war-horse. 

The first railroad in Indiana was built in 1846, between 
Madison and Indianapolis. Five thousand miles of railroad 
are now in operation, and others in the process of construction. 

In 1 85 1 our old constitution was abolished, and a new and 
much better one adopted. Our vote was as follows : 109,319 
for and 26,755 against the same. 

Indiana now stands among the leading States of the Union. 
Her school fund is larger by two millions than any other State 
in the Union. Her manufacturing resources are unbounded, 
her coal fields are among the most productive, and furnish a 
large source of wealth, her water power is excellent, and 
her railroads numerous, Indianapolis, -our capital, being the 
greatest railroad center in the State, and not surpassed by any 
city in the United States in this respect. Jeftcrsonville, New 
Albany and South Bend are respectively noted for their exten- 
sive " car works," " glass works," and " wagon f^ictory." 

We have seen Indiana when a forest, dotted here and 
there by prairies which seemed like oases in a desert. We 
have seen noble, hardy pioneers with their families entering 
into the country and, with their glittering axes, leveling the 



24 



INTRODUCTION. 



jj^iant progeny of the forest. We have seen Indiana when the 
red men owned tlie soil, and when only a cabin here and there 
showed where the march of civilization had begun. We have 
seen her in infancy, with a white population- only one-fourth as 
large as that of Hancock county. We have seen her when the 
savage red men took the war-path, destroyed her property, 
murdered her children and rejoiced in the victory. But the 
noble pioneers w'ho settled this country braved all these dangers, 
and established their institutions of liberty, religion and truth 




ROBERT SMITH. 



upon a iirm foundation. \V"e see Indiana as she stands to-day 
in all her grandeur, glorying in her powder, rejoicing in her 
resources, sending great men to the various fields of action, 
educating her boys and girls without cost, and shedding the 
glorious rays of truth and enlightenment to all her people. 

May her light still continue to shine in the firmament as 
brilliantly as the noonday sun, and diffuse the blessings of lib- 
erty to all mankind. 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 
bird's-eye view. 



Hancock county, Indiana, is located a little east of 
the geographical center of the state. It is in latitude 40" 
north, and longitude 86" west, of Greenwich, or 9° west 
from Washington, and is in townships fifteen, sixteen, and 
seventeen north, and ranges five, six, seven, and eight 
east. In size it is about an average county of the state, 
being composed of 307 sections, or square miles, and con- 
taining about 196,480 acres. It is bounded on the west by 
Marion and Hamilton, on the north by Madison and Ham- 
ilton, on the east b}^ Henr^- and Rush, and on the south by 
Shelby, Rush and Henry. It is chiefly bordered, however, 
by Marion on the west, Madison on the north, Henry on 
the east, and Shelby on the south. Hamilton forms onh' 
one mile of the western boundary and four of the northern ; 
Rush forms six miles of the eastern and two of .the south- 
ern, and Henry forms but one mile of the southern bound- 
ary. The greatest length of the county is nineteen miles 
east and west, and its greatest width seventeen miles north 
and south. 

Hancock county was cut oft' from Madison and organ- 
ized in the vear 1828, and named in honor of John Han- 
cock, president of the convention that adopted the immor- 
tal ** Declaration of Independence." 



26 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

x\t the time ot' the organization of the county it con- 
tained but few inhabitants, and they were scattered. At 
the first presidential election held in the county, which 
occurred November 3, 1828, the whole number of votes 
cast were loi, and now the whole number is, according to 
the census of 1880, 4,170. Then the entire population of 
the county was about 400; now it is 17,123. Then there 
were, perhaps, 135 children of school age in the county ; 
now there are 5,646. Then there was but one clock in the 
county ; now there is one in nearl}^ every household. Then 
there were no broad fields of ijolden strain, cut with a self- 
binder and threshed with a steam thresher, but only here 
and there a small patch cleared in the green, cut with a 
sickle and threshed with a flail. Then our whole territory 
was almost one unbroken wilderness, in which were 
numerous Indians, wild deer, bears, panthers, wild cats, 
rattlesnakes, wolves, owls, turkies, opossums, raccoons, 
and porcupines. This condition of affairs has changed. 
The Indian has bid adieu to his native hunting grounds ; 
the church bell has taken the place of the warwhoop ; the 
poisonous fanged serpent, at the sight of civilization, has 
faded away as if under the benign influence of St. Pat- 
rick. What changes have taken place ! The old land- 
marks are nearly gone ; but few of the early pioneers, — 
our grandfathers and their sires, — are left, and they, one 
by one, are fast passing away. Our progress, from a 
small beginning to our present status, has cost untold toil, 
hardships and privations, not fully appreciated by the 
youug of the present generation. This book is written, in 
part, that their names, and the trials they underwent, 
may, to some extent, be perpetuated. We shall show, 
step by step, the progress made decade after decade. 
This chapter is only intended as a bird's-eye view of the 
territory, preparatory to a more detailed account, in which 
the townships will be considered separately, and elaborated 
thoroughly, when our minds will be carried back to the 
brave pioneers, to learn their names and mode of living, 
and to follow them up amidst the hardships incident to pio- 



KIRD S-EYE VIEW. 



27 



neer life to balmier clays and more pleasant surroundings 
even to the present time. 

Hancock county is quite flat, there being but tew hills, 
except in the immediate vicinity of the water-courses, and 
several of these have no banks worthy of the name. Blue 
River and Sugar Creek have considerable banks, and Bran- 
dy wine at places. Blue-river and Sugar-creek townships 
are rolling, and somewhat undulating, but the county, on 
the whole, is remarkably level, and was once considered 
"low and wet;" but since it has been so thoroughly 
drained by tile ditches, and good roads built, we hear but 
little complaint in that direction. 

It is now considered healthful, and as free from malaria 
and miasmatic diseases as any of its border counties ; 
though there was once a great deal of ague and fever, 
bilious fever, and considerable milk-sickness. 

Our soil, generally speaking, is exceedingly fertile ; 
indeed, almost exhaustless in resources. The black, low 
grounds, which in the early history of the country were 
considered almost worthless, and were, therefore, the last 
entered, are now, since being drained, found to be the 
richest and most productive. The first settlements in the 
county were made on the uplands, hills and knolls, if pos- 
sible. Thirty years ago, about a hundred feet above Blue 
River, in the midst of a small field, there stood a tinv log 
cabin, without roof, window, chimney, or floor, vmfmished, 
decaying, which the writer passed hundreds of times 
when a boy, and then learned that it was begun long years 
since for a pioneer cottage; but in the "raising," there 
being little help, the proprietor was crushed by the falling 
of a log on nearing the gable. 

The principal exports of the county are wheat, corn, 
hogs, cattle, horses, oats, potatoes, flaxseed, apples, hay, 
and sheep. 

Hancock county's first exports were ginseng, venison- 
hams, firs, flax and tow linen. 

The statistical returns of 1880 show that our county 
produced, on 27,752 acres, 580,207 bushels wheat: on 



28 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

37,072 acres, 1,187,328 bushels corn; on 1,665 'icres,. 
45,129 bushels oats. The same 3'ear we produced 
i6,"752 bushels Irish potatoes, 51,160 bushels flaxseed, 
42,028 bushels apples, and had in our county 5,228 
head of horses, 285 head of mules, 9,609 head of cattle, 
9,340 head of sheep, and 23,400 head of hogs old enough 
to fatten. The county was once heavily timbered with a 
large per cent, of the best kinds of saw timber, such as 
walnut, poplar, oak, ash, and cherry. Walnut timber of 
the finest quality w^as once not onl}^ used for fencing and 
fire-wood, but was deadened and burned in log-heaps, to 
get it out of the way. 

There are large beds of sand and gravel in various 
parts of the county. At least seven out of the nine town- 
ships have sufficient gravel, of good quality, to make all 
her roads, public and private, in good order. 

The county is well watered with numerous streams ,, 
springs and wells of excellent limestone water. 

Blue River, the largest stream in the county, a fine, clear, 
lasting mill stream, runs across the south-eastern corner of 
Blue-river township, entering Shelby county just below^ 
Bacon's mill. Its bottoms are broad and exceedingly 
fertile. 

Sugar Creek, the next in size, is a clear, rapid, medium- 
size mill stream. It rises in the western part of Henry 
county, near Elizabeth Cit}^ enters Hancock count}- wuthin 
a few rods of the north-east corner, and runs in a south- 
west direction to within half a mile of Warrington ; thence 
northwest, dipping into the edge of Madison a few rods ; 
thence in a general south-westerly direction through 
Brown, Green, and across the corner of Vernon ; thence 
through Center, Buck-creek, and Sugar-creek townships, 
entering Shelbv countv a mile and a half south of New 
Palestine. 

Brandywine Creek, a rather small-sized mill .stream, 
rises in Brown township, about a mile west of Warrington, 
and runs in a south-westerly direction through Brown and 
Jackson townships, and to the central northern middle 



HIRD S-EVE VIE\\- 



29 



portion of Center township, four miles north of Greenfield ; 
thence nearly south through Center and Brandywine town- 
ships, entering Shelby county six miles south of the 
county seat. 

Buck Creek, a small, sluggish stream, rises in Vernon 
township, about a mile and a half south-west of Fortville, 
runs south-west through Buck-creek township, across the 
north-west corner of Sugar-creek township, entering 
Marion count}' one mile south of the south-west corner of 
Buck-creek township. 

Nameless Creek is a small stream. Risino- in the central 
portion of Jackson township, it runs south-west in Jack- 
son, and empties into Blue River on the B. P. Butler farm. 

Six Mile Creek rises in Henry county, flows south 
through Jackson, past Charlottesville, across the corner of 
Rush county, entering Blue-river township at its central 
eastern border ; thence south-west, emptving into Blue 
river on the Wm. Cook farm. 

Little Brandywine Creek rises near the boundary line 
between Center and Jackson townships, runs south-west, 
and empties into Brandywine two miles south bv south- 
east of Greenfield. 

Little Sugar Creek, a small, sluggish stream, rises in 
the north-west part of Center township, and running south 
by south-west, empties into Sugar Creek. 

Flat Fork of Lick Creek rises in the south-east part of 
Vernon township, runs north by north-w^est, enters Ham- 
ilton county one mile west of Fortville, and empties into 
Lick Creek. These small streams have all been ditched 
and cleared out near their heads. 

Swamp Creek is a su/ goicris small stream, taking its 
rise in Madison county. It runs nearlv south, crossing 
Lick Creek in Madison countv and Sugar-creek in Han- 
cock county ; crossing the National road at the Robert H. 
Ross farm, and imallv losing itself in Brandvwine Creek. 
This stream presents the general appearance of the bed of 
a lost river, being from forty to eighty rods wide, filled 
with decaved and decaying vegetable matter, more or less 



30 



HISTORY OF HANXOCK COUNTY. 



soft and vieldinfr, and with a tiny, turbid stream nmninir 
through the center thereof. 

Little Swan Creek rises in the south-western part of 
Center township, runs south by south-west, crosses Bran- 
dywine township, and enters Shelby county at the south- 
ern extremity of the boundary line between Sugar-creek 
and Brand vwine townships. 

There are numerous other small streams, unworthy of 
notice, in yarious parts of the county. 



Sl'gar-cheek Town- 
ship. 



Brandywine Town- 
ship. 



Bt,uE-RivER Township 



MAP OF HANCOCK COUNTY IN 1S2S. 



Hancock county is reasonably well supplied with good 
grayel road turnpikes, there being one hundred and eighty 
miles of the same, 104 of which are now incorporated and 
pay taxes, and seventy-six of which were once taxed, but 
haye since rescinded their charters and gone back to the 



BIRD S-EYE VIEW. 3 1 

public. These pikes are several in number, and were built 
at an average cost of $1,200 per mile, majcing a total cost 
of $2 1 6,00a. Her public roads are generally graded, and 
in many places graveled by her citizens in working out 
their road taxes, and personal privileges. 

Hancock county originally consisted of three town- 
ships, to-wit : Blue-river, Brandywine, and Sugar-creek. 

These townships were organized in 1828, at the time 
of the separation from Madison countv, and each extend- 
ing to the countv line. 

Blue-river township was reduced in size and located in 
the south-east part of the county in 183 1, with thirty sec- 
tions. Jackson township was the name assigned to the 
remainder of Blue-river, and was located in the north- 
eastern part of the county, by the commissioners, in 1831. 

Brandywane township was reduced to thirty sections 
in the same year, and located in the central southern por- 
tion of the county. 

Center township was, in 1831, located north of Bran- 
dywine township, extending three miles north and south 
and six miles east and west, and containing eighteen 
sections. 

Harrison tow'nship was also organized in the same 
year, and composed of the remainder of Brandywine north 
of Center to the north line of the county. 

Buck-creek was cut off from Sugar-creek in 183 1, and 
made to extend from congressional line sixteen to the north 
county line. 

Green was taken from the north part of Jackson and 
Harrison in 1832, and composed of that part of the county 
north of congressional line seventeen, and consisted of 
sixty sections ; being the same territory now embodied in 
Brown and Green. 

In the vear 1833, Brown township was dissevered Irom 
Green, and made to consist of thirty sections, its pres- 
ent size. 

In 1835, Center township was increased one tier oi 
sections, taken from the northern part of Brandywine. 



32 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



Vernon township was cut off from the north part of Buck- 
creek north of congressional line seventeen, and made to 
consist of thirt^'-one sections. 

Jones township was formed in 1838, by taking two tier 
of sections from the north part of Sugar-creek, and a like 
number from the south part of Buck-creek, and composed 
of twenty-four sections. 



Vernon. 



BUCK-CKEEK. 



Union. 



Green. 



Brown. 



Harrison. 



Worth. 



Jones. 



Sugar-creek. 



Center. 



Brandywine. 



Jackson. 



Bi.ie-kiver. 



HANCOCK COUNTY FllOM 1S50 TO 1S5?. 



Union township was made up from the eastern part ot 
Buck-creek, the western part of Harrison, and the south- 
east corner of Vernon, in 1838, and composed of twenty 
sections. 



BIRD S-EYE \IE\V. 33 

Worth township was composed of the north part of 
Jackson and the north-east corner of Center, and organ- 
ized in the year 1850. 

At the March term, 1853, the commissioners divided 
Jones tow^nship between Sugar-creek and Buck-creek ; 
Union township between Buck-creek, Vernon and Center ; 
Worth township between Center and Jackson, and attached 
Harrison to Center ; thereby obliterating Jones, Union, 
Worth, and Harrison, and leaving nine civil townships, as 
we now have them. 

Blue-river township is located in the south-east corner 
of the county ; Brown in the north-east ; Brandywine in the 
south middle ; Buck-creek in the west middle ; Center in 
the middle ; Green in the central northern portion ; Jack- 
son in the eastern middle portion ; Sugar-creek in the 
south-west corner ; and Vernon in the north-west corner of 
the county. 

Thus it may be seen that the county is composed of 
nine civil townships, arranged in three tiers of three town- 
ships each. The eastern division, composed of Brown, 
Jackson and Blue-river, constitutes the lirst commissioner's 
district ; Green, Center and Brandywine the second ; 
Vernon, Buck-creek and Sugar-creek the third ; the pres- 
ent commissioners of which are, respectively, Augustus 
Dennis, Ephraim Bentley and John Dye. 

Hancock county was first settled about the year 18 18. 
Previous to the United States survey of 1819, Andrew 
Evans and John Montgomery, with their families, and 
Montgomery McCall, came into this county, and settled on 
Blue River. At the same time, Piatt and James Mont- 
gomery, brothers of John, and Isaac Roberts, with their 
families, and David Stephenson, settled in Center town- 
ship. In 1820, Elijah Tyner, Harmon Warrum, Joshua 
Wilson, and John Foster, with their families, also settled 
on Blue River. In 1822, Solomon Tyner, John Osborn, 
and George Penwell, with their families, came and settled 
with the others on the same historic stream. The above, 
and a tew others, were all in the count\' at, and before, its 



34 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



organization. After this time the immigrants were more 
numerous, the more prominent of whom we will notice in 
the proper place in their respective townships. 



















1 




Vernon. 


CJreen. 


Brown. 


Blck-creek. 


Center. 




Jackson. 


. 














Sugar-creek. 


Brandywine. 




Blve-river. 





MAP OF HANCOCK COUNTY FROM 1853 TO THE PRESENT. 

Among the early incidents, which are more numerous 
than were the pioneers themselves, we will note the 
followinjj : 

The first school-house in the county was a log one, 
diminutive in size, and exceedingly rude in architecture, 
erected near Elijah Tyner's old place, on Blue River, in 
the year 1823. 

The first male teacher who taught in the county was 
Lewis Tyner. 

Green township claims the honor of furnishing em- 
ployment to the first female teacher, Mrs. Sarah Gant. 

In 1818, the first log cabin was built by Andrew Evans. 

In 1824, Joshua Wilson built the first grist mill, located 
on the banks of Blue River. This mill was a small, one- 



J5IR1) S-EVE VIEW 



35 



Story log structure, which, soon after lacing erected, was 
sold to Henry Watts, on account of some difficulty about 
the obstruction of water. 

In the neighborhood of John Ilinchman's old farm, in 
Center township, now owned by Abriim llackleman, was 
organized, in 1820. by the Methodists, the first religious 
societ}' in the count}'. 

The first blacksmith in the county was Thomas Phillips, 
who had his shop on Blue River, in about 1822. 

Among the first taverns in the county, was one erected 
by Andrew Jackson, near Greenfield, in about 1825. 

Elijah Tj-ner, on Blue River, had the first store in the 
count}'. He was also the first to set out an orchard. 

The first road in the county was an old Indian trail, 
known as the " Napoleon Trace," which extended through 
Blue-river, Jackson, and Green townships, crossing Blue 
River near Warrum's old home, and Sugar Creek near 
'Squire Hatfield's, at a place known as the " Stover Ford," 

When the Montgomery s, McCall, and Evans, first set- 
tled, they had to go to White Water to mill, where Con- 
nersville now stands, some forty miles distant. 

McCall, when he first came to the county, cleared a 
few acres of ground by yoking his oxen to the grubs and 
pulling them out by the roots. He then climbed up the 
Surrounding trees, and trimmed off the branches to con- 
siderable height, and with them constructed a fence around 
his little patch, thus making the first fence in the county. 

It has been said, in illustration of the capacity of one 
of the rude mills, erected in what was then Vernon town- 
ship, but now Center, on Sugar Creek, that Rev. Wiley 
Pilkenton, who was a zealous, long-winded, old-school 
Baptist, would put in the hopper a two-bushel grist of 
corn, attend a two days' camp-meeting, and return in time 
to toll it. This mill was located just above the Sugar 
Creek bridge, on the Noblesville road. In size, it was 
about sixteen feet square, one-storv high, constructed of 
small logs, or poles, and covered with clapboards. A 
stranger was passing this mill, on a certain occasion, when 



36 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



he ^■ociterously ordered the girls to '* hold that d d 

thing- till I get by !"" 

The following are the post-offices and villages in Han- 
cock county : 

J^ost-officcs. — Westland, in Blue-river township ; War- 
rington and Willow Brach, in Brown township ; Cleve- 
land and Charlottesville, in Jackson township ; McCords- 
ville and Woodbury, in Vernon township ; Philadelphia 
and Gem, in Sugar-creek township ; Mount Comfort, in 
Buck-creek township ; Carrollton, in Brandywine town- 
ship ; Eden and Milner's Corner, in Green township ; 
Binwood, in Center towmship. 

Incorporated J7//(ig'cs. — Our incorporated villages are: 
Fortville, in Vernon township, and New Palestine, in 




corirr-iiorsE 



Sugar-creek township. Charlottesville has been an incor- 
porated town f )r a number of years until recentlw when 
her corporation was dissoh'ed, and a receiver appointed. 



BIRD S-EYE VIEW. 



37 



The public buildings of Hancock county consist, at 
present, of a court-house, jail and sheriff's residence, 
poor-house, ninety-two public school buildings, and about 
rifty church buildings. 

The present court-house was built by Nathan Craw- 
ford, deceased, an old and honored citizen, in the jear 
1854, upon a contract of $14,400. It is a substantial, con- 
venient, and commodious building, honestly built by an 
honest man, and is, perhaps, not equaled by any public 
building in the state, at as low a cost. 

The poor-house is located on the National road, two 
and a half miles east of Greenfield, in section thirty-five, 
township sixteen north, and range seven east. The build- 
ing is a discredit to the county, being old and dilapidated, 
and not at all in harmony with the wealth and dignity of 
our citizens. The superintendent's residence is a plain, 
old-fashioned, stor3^-and-a-half brick, built many years 
since for a private residence. The infirmary building 
proper is a cheap frame, known by carpenters as a " plank 
house," built in the rear of, and attached to, the superin- 
tendent's residence. The building is not only cheaply 
constructed, and poorly ventilated, but small and wholly 
inadequate to the demands of the unfortunate. A new 
building has been contemplated for several years ; but, 
owing to " hard times " and " indebtedness of the county," 
the matter has been neglected. 

The county has a very elegant, commodious, and con- 
venient jail, and sheriff's residence in front, built upon a 
contract of $32,900 ; but costing, according to the records, 
$75,000, without interest, before completion. The build- 
ing is a brick, with stone foundation, slate roof, and neatly 
finished inside and out. The architecture is modern, and 
and the work all first-class. The sheriff's residence is 
large, convenient, and finished in good taste. Considera- 
ble complaint has been made on account of the number of 
escaping convicts, who have succeeded in cutting and 
breaking out ; but this is not wholly owing to the weakness 
of the jail, but more, perhaps, to too great leniency to the 
inmates. 



38 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



The public school building, in Greenfield, is an elegant 
two-story brick, with basement, stone foundation, slate 
roof, and ash linish, and will accommodate nine teachers 
and five hundred pupils. It was built in the year 1869 ^^^^ 
1870 by Harmon Everett, upon a contract of J^20,ooo, pav- 
able in bonds on the corporation of the town of Greenfield. 
Everett took $10,000 in bonds in part pavment. The 




GREENFIELD GRADED SCHOOE BUILDING. 



architects were Ennis and Hubert, of Indianapolis. The 
school trustees were A. K. Branham, Philander H. Boyd, 
and H. B. Wilson, of Greenfield. The stone for the foun- 
dation were shipped from St. Paul, in Decatur county. 
The brick were shipped and hauled, in part, from 
Knightstown. The. ViLiilding was begun in April, 1869, 
and the first school wa§ 'taught in the fall of the same year. 
A comparison of the taxes, mode of collecting, prop- 
erty, and wealth of the county, in its early history, with 
the present, shows that our growth has not only been 
steady, but rapid. The total taxes for 1829 were $703,17. 
The record shows the followina- : 



BIRD S-EVE \'IE\V. 3^ 

May 10, 1S32. 
clerk's report. 

Sho-ving the amount of county revenue that the collector stands 
charged zvith for the year 1S32. 

534 polls $262 00 

485 horses 342 50 

172 oxen 43 00 

37 watches 13 50 

1 clock 50 

2 covering horses c^ t^o 

6,1^33 acres of ist rate land 36 I3 

10,337 acres of 3tl rate land 30 7 1^^ 

Town lots 31 6S 

Non-resident road tax 10 S3 

Total $713 19^ 

Errors ^6 84 

Balance $656 35^ 

Attest : Morris Pierson, C. T. H. C, 

{County Treasurer Hancock County). 

The summary for the year 1833 shows the total tax to 
have been $787. 88^, signed by Joseph Chapman, C. II. 
C. C. ; which, when interpreted, means Clerk Hancock 
Circuit Court. The report for 1833 further shows 616 
polls, 606 horses, 168 oxen, twenty-three watches, and 
two pleasuring carriages ; being an increase in one year of 
ninety-two polls, twenty-one horses, and four oxen, and a 
decrease of four watches and one clock, there being no 
clock returned for the year 1833. 

The reader will observe, from an examination of the 
summary report given above, that the ad valorem system 
of taxation, now prevalent, was not then used ; but a speci- 
fied tax was levied on each article of a certain class, 
regardless of value. This system continued in vogue till 
the year 1836. 

We give below a copy of the last report under the old 
specific tax system, made in 1835. 

8,878 acres ist rate land 't 3S S ' 



40 HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY. 

23,279 acres 2d rate land ^9 ^3 

1,345 *^cres 1st rate non-resident land, on which 

there is a road tax of 5 3"^ 

5,920 acres of 2d rate non-resident land ^7 7^ 

.$5,851.60, value of town lots 29 26 

$3,008.00, value of non-resident lots ^5 04 

709 horses 354 50 

130 oxen 32 :;o 

15 silver watches 7 :^o 

1 gold watch 50 

3 composition watches i 50 

2 brass clocks i 00 

6 covering horses 12 00 

6S4 polls 342 00 

Total $925 28 

A comparison of the two reports shows that people 
were increasing in numbers and wealth, and. could afford 
more time-pieces, and other luxuries. In 1835, ^^'^ ^^^ 
one gold watch, the first ever owned and taxed in the 
count}' ; two brass clocks, and three composition watches. 

Under the system of specific taxation, the following were 
the rates till 1832 : On each poll, 50 cents ; on each horse, 
37i cents ; on each ox, i8f cents ; on each silver watch, 
25 cents ; on each gold watch, $1.00: on stallions, the rate 
they stood at per season : for land, half the rate of state 
taxes. From 1832 to 1834 the rates were : On each poll, 
50 cents ; on town lots, | cent on each $1.00 ; work oxen, 
25 cents ; horses over three years old, 50 cents ; watches, 
50 cents : clocks, ^i.oo ; the tax on every 100 acres of first- 
rate land, 40 cents : on second-rate land, 30 cents ; on 
third-rate land, 20 cents. In the year 1834, the commis- 
sioners adopted the following list of rates : On each poll, 
50 cents : on land, one-half the state tax ; on each horse, 
valued at over $10.00, 50 cents ; on each watch and pleas^ 
uring carriage, 50 cents ; on horses and jacks, the price of 
the season at which they stand ; on each yoke of oxen over 
three j'ears old, 50 cents ; on each brass clock, 50 cents : 
tavern license in Greenfield, $15.00: in other parts of the 



BIRD S-EYE VIEW. 



41 



county, $10.00; license to vend wooden clocks, $10.00; 
foreign goods, $10.00. These rates remained in force for 
two years, or until the adoption of the ad valorem system, 
in 1836, when the rates were fixed by the commissioners 
at 20 cents on each $100 of real and personal property, 
and 75 cents on each poll. 

Prior to the year 1836, watches, clocks and carriages 
were considered luxuries in which only the' rich were at 
liberty to indulge, and they were corhpelled to pay for the 
privilege. Hence, the tax on a watch, though it be ever 
so old and cheap, was twenty-five per cent more than the 
tax on one hundred acres of the best land, listed as " first- 
rate ;" the tax on a brass clock, regardless of its cost 
and real worth, was just equal to the tax on two hundred 
and fifty acres of the best land, or five hundred acres of 
third-rate land ; and the tax on a pleasuring carriage was 
equal to the tax on one hundred and sixty-six and two- 
thirds acres of second-rate land, or two hundred and fifty 
acres of third-rate land. Again, the taxes on a clock or 
gold watch were equal to the tax on two head of horses, 
or two hundred dollars in money. The policy of the law 
seems to have been to discourage luxuries by high taxa- 
tion, and to encourage the purchasing and owning of land 
by making the tax on it low. 

From the year 1834 ^^ the year 1836, it cost one as 
much to obtain a license to vend wooden clocks or foreign 
goods as it did to pay the county taxes on two thousand 
five hundred acres of the best land, or five thousand acres 
of third-rate land. 

From the records of the year 1836, being the first 
under the ad valorem system, the following report is 
obtained : 

Number of polls returned, 845 — at 75 cents each. . . . .$635 25 
Total valuation of property, both real and personal, 

$490,710.79 — at 20 cents on each $100 valuation... . 9S1 42 

For road purposes — at i cent on each $100 valuation 49 07 

Total taxes for the year 1836 $1,665 74 

4 



42 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

State receiver — at 5 cents on each $100 •1'-45 35 

August 20, 1836. 

M. PiERSOx, T. H. C. 

Let the critical and curious reader compare the follow- 
ing figures, showing the taxables of the county for 1881, 
wdth the preceding, and contrast the difference. 

An abstract of the assessment of property, real and 
personal, in Hancock county for the year 1S81, 

shows the value of land to be $4,438,190 

Value of improvements 681,195 

Value of lands and improvements $5,119,385 

Value of lots 217,990 

Value of improvements 350,105 

Value of lots and improvements 568,095 

Value of personal property 2,138,390 

Value of telegraph ^)455 

Value of railroads 394,540 

Total value of taxables $8,226,835 

It may be seen from the above that the value of lands 
and improvements was $27.00 per acre. The total value 
of taxables in the county averages $43.00 per acre. 
According to the auditor's report, the following is a true 
exhibit of the financial condition of Hancock county — the 
amount of funds on hand June i, 1881 : 

County funds 'i'^5'339 3° 

Interest on county bonds i»i94 20 

Liquor License 100 00 

Fines from justices of the peace . 350 54 

Fines from county clerk ^33 55 

Principal congressional fund 400 60 

Principal common fund 1,069 ^^ 

Redemption land 45 02 

Congressional interest due other counties 250 54 

Congressional interest due this county 788 21 

Township fund 3»5J^9 27 

Corporation fund ^'739 97 



BIRD S-EYE VIEW 



43 



Dof^ fund So6 91 

Special school fund 81893 28 

Local tuition fund 5)732 z,^ 

Road fund -)249 82 

Total on hand, as per report of county com- 
missioners .$42,612 27 

From other official sources we learn that the county 
expends, annually, over $40,000 for school purposes. The 
amount expended for the year ending September i, 1881, 
was $42,562.83. Of this there was expended for tuition 
$26,077.07, and for special fund $16,485 86. 

In further illustration of the growth of the county and 
her present wealth, it may be noted that the receipts of 
the county for the year ending May 31, 1881, were $169,- 
449.84, including a balance in the treasury, May 31, 1880, 
of $51,650.58. The expenditures, including a balance on 
hand of $42,612.27, are the same. Orders outstanding 
May 31, 1880, are reported at $695.95; orders issued 
within the year, $87,665.54; orders redeemed within the 
year, $87,973.50; orders outstanding May 31, 1881, 
$387.99; county bonds outstanding, $25,000. 

Early in the history of our county, the poor were left 
to depend upon their own resources, supplemented by the 
gratuitous favors of their friends. But now it is other- 
wise. The poor and infirm, the sick and unfortunate, who 
are unable to care for themselves, are provided for at the 
county's expense. For the year ending June i, i83j, the 
orders issued by the trustees of the different townships of 
the county amounted to $4,601.55. Of this amount Cen- 
ter township issued orders to the extent of $2,296.17, 
which was the largest amount expended by any one town- 
ship, and Blue-river township issued orders for the same 
purpose to the amount of $54.25, being the smallest 
amount expended by any one township. The trustee of 
Sugar-creek township issued orders which foot up $92.11, 
being next to Blue-river township in the ascending scale. 
The trustee of Jackson township issued orders to the 



44 HISTORY OF HANXOCK COUNTY. 

amount of ^^719.19, next to Center township in the descend- 
ing scale. 

The county is reasonably well supplied with railroads. 
The Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis passes east and 
west through the central portion ; the Cleveland, Colum- 
bus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis (Bee Line) crosses the 
north-western portion ; and the Cincinnati, Hamilton and 
Indianapolis (Old Junction) crosses the south-western por- 
tion. The Indianapolis, Bloomington and Western rail- 
road company is now extending a line across the county, 
entering Buck-creek, crossing Center and the north-west 
corner of Jackson, and out through Brown. This road 
will probably be completed early in 1882. The county 
will then have about fifty-six miles of completed road. 
Another road is contemplated, to extend north and south 
through the county, past Eden and the Junction, and 
through Greenfield to Shelbyville. The road is completed 
to Anderson, and if sufficient assistance is voted along the 
proposed route, it will be completed through to Shelby- 
ville. Should this road be built, as projected, there will 
not be a township in the county without a railroad ; and 
without it, all but Green are partially, or wholly, crossed 
by roads completed, or being completed. The P., C. and 
St. L,, being the old "Indiana Central,'' has a line of 
about nineteen miles in the county; the "Junction'' ten; 
the " Bee Line" nearly seven ; and the I., B. and W. will 
have twenty miles when completed. 

We have four papers now published in the county ; all 
in Greenfield. Three political news and miscellaneous 
weeklies, and one educational monthlv. 

Our p'eople are generally industrious, moral, thrifty, 
and intelligent. There is less illiteracy in the countv than 
in the average counties of the state. Accordin<j to the 
official returns, there were, for the year 1880, but two per- 
sons between ten and twenty-one years of age in the 
county unable to read and write ; while in Madison, on the 
north, there were fifty, in Hamilton there were thirty-nine, 
and in the state there were two thousand and forty-seven, 



BIRD S-EYE VIEW. 



45 



which number divided by ninety-two, the number of 
counties, shows Hancock, on that basis, to be above an 
average county. The people are naturally very conserva- 
tive ; and it may be recorded as a historical fact that Han- 
cock county once bitterl}^ opposed the establishment of 
free schools, as shown by the official vote, when the ques- 
tion was submitted to the ballot-box. Though our voting 
population was then comparatively small, the county stood 
four hundred strong against the proposed establishment of 
free schools, and one township is said to have cast but two 
votes in favor of the same. But to-day she is not inferior 
to adjoining counties in the support of "free schools, the 
hope of our country ;" and the individual that would pub- 
liclv advocate their abolition would be considered, if not 
non combos mentis, at least a relic of the dark ages. 

Hancock county is the home, and has been the resi- 
dence, of several prominent men — politicians, poets, and 
educators. Milton B. Hopkins, late state superintendent 
of public instrviction, and A. C. Shortridge, formerly 
superintendent of the Indianapolis schools, and for a time 
president of Purdue University, were once citizens of the 
county. This is the home of Judge David S. Gooding, a 
personal r;ketch of whom is given elsewhere, and of the 
poets James i\. Riley and Lee O. Harris, who have more 
than a state reputation. 

The county is democratic by about four hundred and 
sixty majorit}'. 

The churches principally represented are the Method- 
ist, Baptist, Presb3'terian, Christian, Friends, Catholic, and 
Dunkard. The Methodists are found all over the county ; 
the Friends are principally in Blue-river township ; the 
Presbyterians in Center township ; and the Catholics in 
Center, Sugar-creek and Vernon townships. 

Hancock count}' is not behind her sister counties in 
loyaltv and patriotism ; but has ever been prompt and 
liberal in response to the country's call. In the war with 
Mexico she furnished a full company, organized by Captain 
James R. Bracken, and called into the service of the 



46 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

United States by the President, under the act of Congress 
approved May 13, 1846, at Madison, Indiana, the phice of 
general rendezvous, on the 8th day of October, 1847. In 
the war of the RebelHon she furnished, in response to the 
various calls of the President, nearl}' twelve hundred brave 
boys in blue, many of whom bled and died for their coun- 
try's good. 

The following is the 

OFFICIAL DIRECTORY FOR 18S1. 

GENERAL OFFICERS. 

State Senator Hon. Simeon T. Yancey Fortville. 

Representative . . .Hon. Morgan Chandler Greenfield. 

Tud2:e iSth Iiidi-) tt a t 1 t- t^ 1 ) tvt ^ , 

cial Circuit. |- ^^°"- ^^^'^' ^- Forkner j- New Casde. 

Prosecuting Att'y . L. P. Newby Knightstown. 

Bailiff Wm. K. Jacobs , Binwood. 

COUNTY OFFICERS. 

Cl'k Circ't Court. . Ephraim Marsh Greenfield. 

Deputy Chas. E. Downing Greenfield. 

Auditor Henry Wright Greenfield. 

Deputy William Wright Greenfield. 

Recorder John W. Ryon Greenfield. 

Deputy Miss Mary Roberts. Greenfield. 

Treasurer Isaiah A. Curry Greenfield. 

Deputy James L. Smith Greenfield. 

Sheriff Wm. H. Thompson Greenfield. 

Deputy John C. Dudding Greenfield. 

Coroner James R. Trees Cleveland . 

Surveyor W. Scott Fries Greenfield. 

County Attorney. James A. New Greenfield. 

County vSupt Robert Alonzo Smith Greenfield. 

Cowm issio>iers. 

Augustis Dennis Westland. 

John E. Dye Philadelphia. 



BIRD S-EYE VIEW 



47 



Thos. E. Bentley Greenfield. 



ATTORNEYS. 



R. A. Riley, 
David S. Gooding, 
Lemuel W. Gooding, 
James L. Mason, 
Wm. R. Hough, 
Montgomery Marsh, 
Charles G. Oftutt, 
Geoi'ge Barnett, 
James A. New, 
Israel P. Poulson, 
James J. Walsh, 
S. A. Wray, 
John A. Hughes, 
W. S. Denton, 



R. A. Black, 
W. W. Cook, 
G. W. Duncan, 
Marshall B. Gooding, 
William F. McBane, 
John W. Jones, 
William H. Martin, 
John H. Binford, 
A. R. Hughes, 
Robert Collins, 
William M. Babcock, 
Chas. E. Rennecamp, 
L. H. Reynolds. 



TOWNSHIP TRUSTEES. 

Blue-river Thomas E. Hill Morristown. 

Brandy wine Duncan McDougall CarroUton. 

Brown William L. Garriott Warrington. 

Buck-creek Joh^^ C. Eastes Mt. Comfort. 

Center Robert D. Cooper Greenfield. 

Green Sidney Moore Eden. 

Jackson James F. McClarnon Charlottesville. 

Sugar-Creek William C. Barnard Sugar Creek. 

Vernon Samuel Arnett Fortville. 

SCHOOL TRUSTEES. 



city of Greoijield. 

Dr. Samuel S. Boots President. 

J. Ward Walker Treasurer. 

William Mitchell Secretary. 

l^o-jJH of Fortville. 

Joseph Bills President. 



48 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

James B. Anderson Treasurer. 

J. W. Ferrell Secretary. 

TOWNSHIP ASSESSORS. 

Blue-river Nathan Newby Wcstland. 

Brandy wine Theodore L. Smith Carrollton. 

Brown Joshua P. Harlan Warrinj^^ton. 

Buck-creek Mahlon Apple Oaklandon. 

Center James K. King Greenfield. 

Green William H. Warrum Eden. 

Jackson Thomas E. Niles Charlottesville. 

Sugar-creek William A. Wood Sugar Creek, 

Vernon Aaron R. Chappcll Fortville. 

In the foregoing we have endeavored to take a brief 
general view of the county as to history, resources, and 
other matters of interest, which is intended to give the 
reader some idea of the territory to be surveyed before 
entering upon the work proper. This closes the first chap- 
ter, after which we will engage in more specific definite 
work, and will take up each of the townships in order, and 
speak of them separately ; and will, in the course of the 
work, give a full detailed account of the several points 
mentioned herein. 



BLUE-RIVER- TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER 11, 



Townshij) Line 



Township 



Township Line 




i; North. 



Scale: Two miles to an inch. 

MAP OF niA'E-RIVER TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING THE SECTIONS, TOWNSHII', .\ND RANGES OF WIIKIl IT IS CONSTITUTED. 



This township takes its name from l^lue River, the 
principal mill stream in the township. It was ori^anized 



50 HISTORY OF HANX'OCK COUNTY, 

in 1828, and composed of the entire eastern part of the 
county, what now constitutes the first commissioners dis- 
trict. In 183 1 it was reduced in size to thirty sections, its 
present limits. It is located in the south-eastern corner of 
the county, and is bounded by Rush count}- on the east, 
Shelby county on the south, Brandywine and Center town- 
ships on the west, and Center and Jacksan townships on 
the north. In extent it measures six miles north and south 
and five miles east and west. It is all located in township 
fifteen north and ranges seven and eight east ; two tiers 
of sections on the west are in range seven, and three on 
the east are in range eight. 

The range line dividing the two fractional congressional 
townships, of which this civil township is composed, 
extends along the center of the road running north and 
south by Westland Post-Oflice. 

The principal streams are Blue River, Six Mile Creek 
and Nameless Creek. Blue River cuts off" the south-east 
corner of the township, running through four sections, and 
receives from the north, in section twenty-nine, the waters 
of Six Mile Creek, and in section thirt\- the waters of 
Nameless Creek. Six Mile Creek is found in four sections 
of the south-eastern part of the count}', and Nameless 
Creek in five sections of the central portion, entering the 
central northern part and emptying in the central southern 
part. These were once all mill streams. 

The first mill in the county was a small log structure 
on Blue River, erected by Joshua Wilson in 1824. It was 
situated above the old Wolf's mill, now Bacon's mill. 
The latter is the only water-mill now in the township. 

Nameless Creek and Six Mile Creek both had at one 
time small sash saw-mills and corn crackers, all of which 
have long since been superseded by the modern inventions 
and improvements. 

Jesse Hunt used to run a small saw and grist-mill on 
Six Mile Creek, near where the Kysers now live. The 
writer from 1850 to 1855 spent many a day at this mill 
while his grist of corn was being ground, and there saw 
the first sawing by water-power of his life. 



BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIT. 5 I 

John Hiinniciitt run a small saw-mill on Nameless 
Creek for a number of years, on what is now the William 
Brooks farm. There was also another small mill fvn-ther 
up the creek, near Westland Post-Office. 

Blue-river was settled at least ten years before the 
organization of the county. 

In 1818 Andrew Evans built the tirst log cabin in the 
township. 

In 1822 Thomas Philips had a blacksmith shop on 
Blue River. 

In 1823 there was built the hrst school-house in the 
township, or county, and Lewis Tyner was the first male 
teacher. 

Elijah Tyner, in 1824, erected the first store of the 
township, as well as of the county ; and he continued to 
do business at the same place until his death, in 1872. The 
writer's first pair of boots came from this store. Tyner 
was not only a merchant, but an extensive farmer, stock 
raiser, and stock dealer. For a great many years he 
bought and drove nearl}^ all the stock raised and sold in 
that part of the county, and even in the adjoining portion 
of Shelby county. Tyner is also entitled to the credit of 
setting out the first orchard in the county. He brought 
the trees with him from the east. 

The first fence in the county was built in this township. 
The builder was a man by the name of McCall. It was a 
brush fence, made of the branches of the trees which 
McCall had climbed and trimmed. McCall had previ- 
ously cleared a little spot by hitching his faithful " Buck" 
and " Bright" to the grubs and " pulling them out by the 
roots." 

Among the first settlers of this township were Andrew 
Evans, John Montgomery, Montgomery McCall, Harmon 
Warrum, Elijah and Solomon Tyner, John Osborn, Joshua 
Wilson, George Penwell, the Johnses, Adamses, James 
and Benajah Binford, Joseph Andrews, John Brown, David 
Dodge, David Smith, and others, with their families, were 



52 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

among the more prominent pioneers of this section. The 
Binfords came in 1826. 

The township in its native state presented some fine 
scenery ; especially in the rich bottom lands. The primi- 
tive trees were grand and stately, and some of them of 
enormous size. There is an oak now to be seen on the 
farm of Penn Binford that measured nine feet in diameter 
and about seventy feet to the first limb. It fell about the 
year 1852. It is said, by those who saw it, to have been 
large enough before the falling off of the bark to have 
made it possible to have driven an ordinary two-horse 
wagon and team from the butt to the first limb. The red- 
bud skirting the streams in early spring presented a bright 
picture among the green and luxuriant foliage. Pea 
vines spice-brush, grape-vines, and nettles, were common 
everywhere. 

The surface in the vicinity of the streams is somewhat 
hilly and undulating, w^hile on the uplands it is moderately 
level to gently rolling. The only portion that may be con- 
sidered strictly level, is in the north-west corner. It is the 
dry est township in the countv. It consists of first and 
second-rate land, and is well improved and under good 
cultivation. Within its limits are many prosperous farm- 
ers, with fine residences, large barns, and good fences. 

Its educational and church advantages are not sur- 
passed in the county. 

Its public schools, it having none other at present, are 
nine in number, arranged in three tiers of three eacli, and 
numbered regularly from one to nine, similar to the num- 
bering of the sections in a congressional township. No. i 
being located in the north-east corner and No. 9 in the 
south-west corner. The teachers, for the present, are as 
follows: District No. i, Pleasantview, W. B. Hill; Dis- 
trict No. 2, Temperance Hall, W. E. Scott; District No. 
3, Jessups, James K. Allen ; District No, 4, Hopewell, 
Bertha Scott; District No. 5, Westland, Jethro Dennis; 
District No. 6, Hardy's Fork, Mattie Cofiield ; District No. 
7, Handy's, John M. Winslow ; Distric No. 8, Gates' Har- 
vey New ; District No. 9, Shiloh, Fannv Da^•is. 



BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP 



53 



The churches are six in number, named and located as 
follows, to-wit : Shiloh, Baptist, located in the south-west 
corner of the township, near Elijah Tyner's old place ; 
Mt. Olivet, Christian Union, in the central portion, near 
the Newby farm ; Gilboa, M. E. church, in the northern 
central portion ; Westland, Friends, in the central portion, 
near Westland school-house, the voting precinct ; Pleas- 
antview. Friends, in the northeastern part of the town- 
ship, adjoining Samuel B. Hill's farm ; Western Grove, 
Friends, in the central western portion, on the pike near 
Mahlon Beeson's farm. 

The present mills and factories of the township are as 
follows : Bacon's Flouring Mill, water-power, previously 
located ; Wiley's Saw-Mill, steam-power, in the western 
central portion ; Marsh's Tile Factory, one mile west of 
Westland P. O. ; Luse's Tile Factory, in the central north- 
ern portion. 

The roads in Blue-river, like other parts of the county, 
were once mere paths "blazed out" through the thick 
timber and underbrush, which presents quite a contrast to 
its present graded and graveled highways. The town- 
ship now has eight and one-half miles of toll pike in addi- 
tion to her public unassessed roads, many of which are 
nearly, or quite, equal to the revenue roads. 

The township has no railroad within its borders, but 
has five miles of the P., C. and St. L., the old "• Indiana 
Central," on its north line. 

The entire population, white and black, in 1880 was 
1,258. The polls in 1881 were 217, and the scholastic 
population 350. 

The number of acres assessed in the township for 1881 
were 18,755, valued at $456,290. The improvements on 
the same were valued at $63,840. The total value of the 
personal property was put at $168,455. The total valua- 
tion of property, real and personal, was $688,585. The 
full amount of taxes due from the township for the current 
year is $6,540.47. 

Among the more prominent men of the township at 



54 HISTORY OF IIANX'OCK COUXTV. 

present, especially in a linancial point of view, are the fol- 
lowing, each of whom will pay taxes to the amount of $40 
and upwards for the year 1881, to be paid in 1882 : 

Atkinson, Lurikla 4 ,^ -_ 

Andrews, Robert D 6S 80 

Anderson, James 67 10 

Binford, Wm. P. '." , \ ,^ 

-^ I J-Z 

Binford, Robert 78-27 

Binford, Joseph '" y „s^ 

Binford, VVm. L ^^ ^^ 

Brooks, Wm 77-8 

Butler, Joseph 5^ ^3 

Billman, Leander 66 -?S 

Brown, Robert 72 -'6 

Coffi". N. D '.'..'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'..'. 60 88 

Caldwell, J. M _^^ 6^ 

C^^^J^ooh (3^ ^^ 

Eakins, Levina ^^ o^ 

Gates, Dayton II wj ^^ 

Hendren, Jerry ^o 3 , 

Hackleman, Lemuel -^ r i 

Hill, Samuel B.. . . i-'S 70 

Hill,ThomasE '.'.'.'.'.'.'. .'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'.'..'. 4405 

Harold, Lemuel =;7 87 

Hunt, John ■ -^^ ^^ 

HatHeld, George H 86 74 

Jessup, Levi ""' ^^ ^^ 

Johns, Robison, sr 4-? 08 

Moore, William ^20-1 

New, William 1 1 =; i^ 

Pitts, Samuel C 42 01 

Pusey, Jesse F. heirs 64 47 

^^^^^^John ■ ■■■ ^6 ^^ 

Roots, Chas. P 124 80 

Tyner, James M -- ^ 

Tyncr, Elbert ^3 

Tyner, Sarah A g- -g 

Warrum, Noble 7' So 

^«in Jacob G '.'.'.'.'.'.'..'.'.'.'..'. 59 xS 

Pittsburgh, Cincinnati and St. Louis Ry Co. . 464 23 



BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP 



:)0 



At the present time the township has but one justice, — 
Elijah Tyner, — and he is not Hkely to become wealthy 
from the profits of the office, notwithstanding that he is 
much of a gentleman ; but he is living in a quiet commu- 
nity of peaceable people, who patronize the courts onlv in 
case of necessity, and hence are seldom engaged in pett}' 
lawsuits and acrimonious legal contests. 

The township has one located physician, in the person 
of Dr. Oliver Andrews, allopathist, and son of Joseph 
Andrews, deceased, one of the pioneers. Much of the 
practice of the township is divided up between the physi- 
cians of the surrounding towns — Greenfield, Carthage, 
Morristown, Charlottesville, and Cleveland. Among the 
physicians who practiced in the township thirty and fortv 
3'ears ago, were : Drs. Lot Edwards, B. F. Duncan, R. E. 
Barnett, N. P. Howard, of Greenfield ; John Clark, Pat- 
terson and Stratton, of Carthage ; Whiteside and Riddle, 
of Knightstown ; Wolf, of Morristown, and Edmundson, 
of Blue-river. The latter was a one-armed man, located 
on the Joseph Binford farm, where he also kept a small 
store. A few years later Dr. Newby held forth at Moore's 
shop, in the eastern part of the township. 

B. P. Butler is the post-master, and Thomas E. Hill 
trustee. 

Samuel Heavenridge built the first store, at Westland, 
in about the year 1852. It was a small log structure. He 
sold to Levi Reece ; Reece to Ambrose Miller and Henry 
Newby ; Miller & Newby to Calvary G. Sample, who run 
the store for a few years, and then sold out at public auc- 
tion about the beginning of the civil war. There was 
no store in the place then until Wm. New opened up. 
New sold to Lemuel Harold and Levi Cloud ; Cloud sold 
his interest back to Harold, who afterward formed a 
partnership with James L. Binford ; Binford sold back 
to Harold, and Harold to Binford Brothers, who were 
burned out on the 13th of April, 1881, since which time 
there has been no store in the place. Joel Pusey erected 
a building in the eastern part of the township in about the 



56 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

year 1855, in which he run a store for a number of years. 

In poHtics, Blue-river is r-epubhcan by about seventy- 
five majority, being the only strictly republican township 
in the county. 

The magistrates of the township from its organization 
to date, as near as w^e are able to ascertain, were as follows : 

John Osborn Unknown 

Samuel A. Hall ^^34 

Richard Hackleman 1836 

Richard Hackleman 1840 

Adam Allen 1848 

Richard Hackleman 1S51 

James Sample ^^53 

Richard Hackleman 1S56 

John Coffin i^S? 

John Coffin 1S61 

Thompson Allen 1865 

Thompson Allen 1S69 

John O. G. Collins 1869 

Edward L. Coffin 1872 

Walter S. Luse 1877 

Elijah Tyner, present justice 1S78 

The following are the ex-township trustees since 1859, 
the date at which thev were empowered with authority to 
levy local taxes : 

B. P. Buder 1859 

N. D. Coffin i860 

James New 1S63 

Lemuel Hackleman 1S65 

B. F. Luse 1869 

Samuel B. Hill 1873 

Lemuel Hackleman 1^77 

Thomas E. Hill 1880 

Of the men who once lived in the township, and now 
reside elsewhere, are : The News, of Greenfield ; James 
P. Galbreath, of Kansas ; the Binfords, of Iowa ; Elias 
Marsh, editor of the Commercial^ Portland, Jay county, 





iCiyzrucX^O. 




BLUE-RIV'ER TOWNSHIP 



57 



Indiana ; Amos Beeson, editor of the Winchester younial, 
and one of the trustees of the northern prison ; Milton 
Hodson, a former partner of Beeson's in the yotinial \ 
Prof. Penn Hunnicutt, of Iowa; Hon. Noble Warrum, 
Dr. M. M. Adams, and the writer, of Greenfield ; Oliver 
Butler, attorney, of Richmond ; James L. Binford and the 
Tyners, merchant and traders, of Morristown ; Eli Gal- 
breath, attorney, Pittsburg; Ephraim Bentlev, commis- 
sioner, now of Brand3^wine ; Prof. Joseph R. Hunt, of 
Indianapolis; Dr. Handy, of Arkansas; Mrs. R. P. Hill, 
of Rush county, author of a book of poems ; Levi Bin- 
ford, druggist, Joseph Binford, farmer and banker, John 
Hunnicutt, carriage-maker, and Dr. Nuby, of Carthage. 

Of the ex-county officers now residing in the township, 
we call to mind Ex-Treasurer George W. Hatfield and 
Ex-County Surveyor Calvary G. Sample. 

William New, of Greenfield, was for a number of }ears 
commissioner from Blue-river, and William Handy state 
representative. 

The chief exports of the township are corn, wheat, 
hogs, cattle, horses, apples, potatoes, and flaxseed. 

The value, in the judgment of the writer, of the nine 
frame school-houses in this township is $4,500 ; value of 
apparatus, $400 ; total value of school property, $4,900. 

At the presidential election for 1880, the township was 
republican by sixty-eight majority, the vote standing as 
follows: Republican vote, 175; Democratic vote, 107; 
Greenback vote, 18; total vote, 300. Blue-river in 1836 
cast 32 votes ; in 1840, 38 ; in i860, 212. 

The population of the township for 1850 was 936 ; for 
i860, 1,060; for 1870, 1,125 5 ^or 1880, 1,258. 



CHAPTER HI. 



Mount Oi.ivet Church. 
The Christian church of Blue-river township, now 
known as Mt. Olivet, was organized in the year 1838, by 
5 



58 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUXTV. 

old Father Hubbard, in what was then known as the Allen 
School-House, in district No. 3. Among its early preach- 
ers were Elders Hubbard, Epplesizer and Jonathan Line- 
back. Its early members were Jonathan and Polly Line- 
back, Absalom Dayis and wife, Eli and Anna Risley, 
John and Catharine New, and Miss Lizzie Miller. The 
same church was reorganized in the year 1862, by Elder 
W. A. Gross, at what is now called the Temperance Hall 
School-House, in district No. 2, with a few members, 
prominent of whom were Jonathan Lineback and wife. 
Nathan Newby and wife, and Abraham Lineback and wife. 
The membership at that time was about fifty-six. The 
present building was erected in 187 1, at a cost of $1,000. 
It was dedicated in June, 187 1, by Elder Homer. A. H. 
Allison built the church, and was the first preacher, fol- 
lowed by Elders John Biu^ket, Dayenport, and Peter 
Baker. Some of the present members are : Miles S. 
Cook and wife, Walter S. Luse, John Hackleman, Polly 
Lineback, and others, about forty in number. Preaching, 
usually, once a month. 

Walter S. Luse"s Tile Factory 

was erected in 1879, '^^ "^ ^'-"^^ ^^ $2,000. being the second 
in the township. It manufactures about 1,500 rods of 
tile per annum. Has been in operation eleyen years. 
Total amount manufactured, 16.500. 

Lewis G. Rule's Saw-Mill, 

in Blue-riye tovynship, was built in 1879, '^^ '*• ^'^^^ of $1 ,500. 
Capacity, 3,500 feet per day. It turnishes work for six 
hands, and ships lumber to Indianapolis, Buffalo and 
Cleyeland. The mill is in the northern part of the town- 
ship, a little south of the National road. 

Elijah Tyner. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Abbeyille Dis- 
trict, South Carolina, in 1797. He was the second son of 
the Rey. William Tyner, a Baptist minister, who remoyed 



15LUE-RIVER TOW'XSIIIl'. 



59 



from South Carolina to Kentucky in the \ear 1802, and 
from thence to Indiana in 1805, near J^rookville ; thence 
to Decatur county. At the age of twenty-one Mr. Tvner 
was married to Martha McCure, of FrankHn county. In 
1820 he came to Hancock countv, or the territory now 
•comprising the county, which the reader will remember 
was not organized till eight years afterward ; and eyen 
Madison, from which Hancock was struck off in 1828, was 
not organized till 1823. In 1821, September 19, he entered 
eighty acres of land in Blue-river township, being the 
third entry made in the county. The iirst entr\' was made 
August 10, 1821, by Harmon Warrum, and the second 
August 23, by James Tyner. In 1822 Mr. Tyner married 
Mary Nelson, who died in 1830. In 1832 he was again 
married, this time to Sarah Ann Hollerston. Mr. Tyner 
was one of the staunch pioneers, coming into the county 
within two years from the first settlement made b\' the 
"pale-face." As a merchant, he was honest and accom- 
modating, and thereby gained the esteem of all who knew 
him. Elsewhere we have shown that he was not onh' a 
pioneer merchant, stock-trader and farmer, but he was 
the hrst in the county to give any attention to horticulture, 
having set out an orchard in the year 1822, according to 
the best information now at hand. Mr. Tyner also acted 
as a kind of common carrier between the early settlers 
and the market. As a father, he was kind-hearted and 
gentle. He raised a large family, and provided well for 
them. As a neighbor, he was highly respected on account 
of his many amiable qualities. In politics, he was a \yiiig 
and republican, but liberal in his views. He was a Baptist 
in faith, but by no means a bigot. He liberally supported 
the church, and every good cause found in him a friend 
and substantial encouragement. His remains lie buried in 
Shiloh cemetery, near his home, where loving hands have 
<^rected a stately monument to mark his last resting place. 

AuAM Allen's Pioneer Life. 
Adam Allen, with his family, came to Blue-river town- 



6o HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

ship, Hancock county, Indiana, in December, 1827. He 
moved into a small log cabin covered with clapboards ; 
half of the floor was of rough slabs ; the front and other 
half was simply the earth made smooth and pounded firm. 
The tire-place and chimney were very rude, made of rock, 
mud and sticks. It would admit a back log of six or 
seven feet in length. The loft was made of rough boards. 

There was not then a public road in the township ; only 
a path "blazed" through the woods to a distant neigh- 
bor's cabin. He had but one neighbor within less than a 
mile, and that was James Wilson, who had settled two 
years before on the farm now occupied by Augustus Dennis. 

About 1830, while a man moving into the township 
was crossing the small stream that flows south, asked the 
name of the creek. Being told that it had none, he said : 
-' It is a ' nameless creek f " which name it still retains. 

When the Aliens came, almost the whole surface of the 
earth was covered with undergrowth, which consisted of 
spice brush, pea vines, and coarse grass. Cattle and 
horses subsisted on it nearly the whole year. Hogs fat- 
tened on the mast almost entirely, and were penned only 
for a few days before killing time, and then that they 
might be fed a little corn to harden the lard. There was 
an abundance of wild gooseberries, plums and ginseng. 
"The latter I have often gathered," says Thompson Allen, 
his son, " and dried for market, which sold at about twen- 
tv-five cents per pound." There were wolves, wild cats, 
turkeys, and white and black squirrels in great numbers ; 
and in the summer and fall, when the corn was ripening, 
the daily employment of the bo3^s was to scare the squir- 
rels away from the corn field. 

Mr. Allen's plow was of the old wooden mold-board 
kind. He cut his wheat with a sickle, and either carried 
or hauled it on a sled ; then threshed it out with a flail on 
a dirt floor. If the wind was blowing, he would clean it 
by standing and slowly pouring the wheat to. the ground 
in a small stream, letting the wind blow the chaft' away. 



BLUE-RIVEK TOWNSHIP. 6 I 

If there was no wind, then two persons with a sheet woukl 
fan while a third poured the wheat. 

For several years he had no cook stove ; all the cook- 
ing was done by the fire. The johnny-cake board was as 
common then as a tea-kettle is now. 

They had no apples, peaches, or tame fruits, but sub- 
.stituted pumpkins, and, of course, were very familiar witli 
pumpkin pies. Dried pumpkins were laid up in the fall, 
which served for dessert when they had companv or on 
Sunday mornings for breakfast. On one occasion Mr. 
Allen went out to a mill on Flat Rock, and on his return 
brought home with him about half a bushel of apples, the 
first ever seen by the children. The mother gave each of 
them an apple, and put the rest away in the loft, telling 
them that, as she now had some flour, they must not touch 
the apples, and she would make some pies. That night 
Thompson Allen woke up, and hearing the boards rattle, 
looked in the direction of the apples, and presently saw 
something white descending, which proved to be one of 
his brothers, who could not refrain from the unfrequent 
temptation of satisfying a keen appetite superinduced b^- 
that one apple. 

The first school-house in the north part of the township 
was built on the southern part of Noble Warrum's farm, 
in section six, township fifteen. It was made of logs, and 
had five corners. It was not chinked and daubed ; had no 
windows and but one door. A man by the name of San- 
ford taught the first school therein. The second school 
was taught by Mr. McPherson. One day a boy had done 
something contrary to the "rules,'' and the teacher, to 
punish him, made him go outdoors and climb up in a dog- 
wood sapling ; he then detailed another boy to stand at the 
foot of the bush and keep him up there. 

"In 1844," sa3's Thompson Allen, "I commenced 
teaching school. The price then was about thirty dollars 
per term of sixty-five days, about ten dollars of it being 
public money. The law required teachers to have cer- 
tificates, but the examinations were not verv rifjid. Once 



62 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

I went to Greentield to get license. I told the eK'aminer 
what I wanted. lie said: 'How long will you be in 
town? Call before you go home, and I will have them 
ready. I am busy now.' I called, ga^•e him fifty cents, 
his fee, and received m}- license, without being asked a 
single question. 

The tirst man that preached in the northern part of the 
township was Father McClain, the father-in-law of Wes- 
ley Williams, of Jackson township. 

Adam Allen was a strong, robust, honest and honora- 
ble man — a good representive of the majority of the early 
settlers of the country. 

[We are indebted to Thompson Allen, Esquire, and 
James K. Allen, teacher, son and grandson of the above,, 
tor most of the foregoing facts.] 

History of Shiloh Church. 

On the tit'th Saturday in Ma\\ 1841, a number of Bap- 
tists met at the house of Richard Hackleman, in the south- 
western part of the township, to consider the propriety' of 
organizing a chmxh. After some consultation, they agreed 
to call a council of brethren, to meet at the house of Solo- 
mon Tyner on the fourth Saturday of the next month. 
At this council there were thirteen persons present, and 
they organized by choosing Elder McQiuu-v as moderator 
and J. T. Price as clerk. After some deliberation the 
council proceeded to adopt a constitution. The names of 
the constituent members were as follows, to-wit : Solo- 
mon Tyner, John H. Caldwell, John M. Duncan, Jemima 
Tyner, Nancy Duncan, Caroline Randall, and Rosanna 
Caldwell ; being seven members in all, which was increased 
to fifteen at their next meeting. Elder McQi.uu-v was their 
first pastor. He was one of Indiana's pioneers : a man of 
unusual energ}' and piety, and his preaching was consid- 
ered powerliil and impressive. His hallowed influence 
still sur\ives in tiic hearts of nian\- of the brethren. 



BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP, 6^ 

The following are the pastors in order, and the time 
each served : 

From 1841 to 18:^2, Elder McQiiary. 

From 1853 to 1853, Elder Wm. Baker. 

From 1853 to 1854, Elder Elias Boston. 

From 1854 to 1857, Elder Wilson Thompson. 

From 1857 to 1864, Elder J. G.Jackson. 

From 1864 to 1868, Elders J. S. Weaver and D. Caudel. 

From 1S68 to 1872, Elders G. S. Weaver and A. B. May. 

From 1873 to 1876, Elders A. B. May and Harvey Wright. 

From 1876 to 1879, Elders Harvey Wright and D. Caudel. 

From 1879 to 1S81, Elders D. Caudel and J. F. Weaver. 

The church continued to hold her meetings from house 
to house until the 3'ear 1854 • ^^^^ then erected a frame 
building, 30x40 feet, at a cost of $800. The house is on 
the pike, just north of Tyner's old store, on the south-east 
corner of section 26, township lit"teen north, range seven 
east. This house is still her place of worship. 

Shiloh hrst asked admission, and was received, into 
the Lebanon Association ; but afterward withdrew, and, 
for convenience, joined the \Vhite Water Association. It 
would be well to state here that Baptist churches are not 
under the control of a superior organization, but each 
church is independent. The association is merely an 
annual meeting tor mutual correspondence. One session 
of the Lebanon Association and three sessions of the 
White Water Association have been held with this church. 
It was here that the Lebanon Association was held in 
August, 1846, at which time the great question of " Means 
and anti-Means" was discussed. Some churches had 
already divided, each party sending messengers, whose 
seats were contested. It was an exciting time, and party 
spirit ran high. Those of the means party claimed that 
"God quickens, regenerates and makes alive dead sin- 
ners bv his spirit through the written and preached word. 
That God has proposed salvation in the Gospel to the 
world of mankind. That Jesus did not die as man, but as 
God." The anti-means party claimed that " God quick- 



64 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

ens the sinner by the power of his spirit without the aid or 
instrumentality of human power. That the written and 
preached word is for the instruction and comfort of God's 
people after they have been quickened by his power. That 
God has not proposed salvation to any one, but has secured 
the salvation of all saints by the blood of Christ ; and that 
repentance and remission of sins is a gift of God, and not 
the act of the creature by the free volition of his will." 
They also held that " Christ died as man and not as God." 
Other points were discussed, but the foregoing are the 
main ones. 

This church is anti-means, and though at present num- 
bering but thirty members, it is at peace with mankind, 
and enjoying a reasonable degree of prosperit}-. 

[We are indebted to W. N, Tharp, a teacher and the 
church clerk, for most of the above facts.] 

James L. Binford 

was born October 10, 1787, in Prince George county, N. 
C, and came to Hancock county in 1826, and was one of 
the first settlers of Blue-river township. He was married 
to Mary Ladd in 1817, by whom he had five children, 
viz. : Robert, Ann, Joseph, Benjamin, and William L. 
Mr. B. was married a second time to Jane Binford, to 
whom were born one chfld. In politics, Mr. B. was a 
staunch whig ; and, notwithstanding his father had owned 
and worked slaves, he was bitterly opposed to the accursed 
traffic, and never hesitated to denounce it in the strongest 
terms consistent with his Christian profession. When in 
health he was regular in attendance at the place of wor- 
ship with the Society of Friends, the church of his choice, 
twice or more per week. 

Mr. B. was a very plain-spoken man, yet kind-hearted, 
and ever ready to help the worthy poor. He was also 
very conscientious, and although he loaned a great deal of 
money for his time, he was never known to accept more 
than six per cent, interest, nor usury in an}^ form. By 
industrv, strict economv, and the avoidance of all vicious 



BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP, 65 

iind luxurious habits, he succeeded in amassing a neat for- 
tune, and was thereby enabled to do much for charitable 
purposes, and to give each of his five children a quarter of 
a section of good land, and as much more in ready cash. 
He died August 19, 1863, aged seventy-five years, eleven 
months and eighteen days, and was buried according to 
the simple custom of the Friends at the Walnut Ridge 
burying-grounds, in Rush county, Indiana. His first wite 
died in 1822, and was buried in North Carolina, and 
his second December 14, 1867, at the age of seventy- 
nine years and nine months, and was buried beside her 
husband. 

Elihu Coffin, Sen. 

The subject of this sketch is a native of Clinton county, 
Ohio. Date of nativity, March 31, 1807. He was prin- 
cipally raised in North Carolina ; came to Milton, Indiana, 
in 1828 and remained till 1831, when he came to Hancock 
county, and shared with the few settlers the privations and 
hardships of frontier life. The roads were to make, the 
forests were to clear, the wild animals to exterminate, and 
the physical man to provide with food, clothing and shel- 
ter. The first winter Mr. Coffin was in the county he, in 
common with many others, did without bread for weeks at 
a time, owing to the mills being frozen up so that they 
could not grind, there being no steam mills in those days. 
They lived on potatoes, pumpkins, and wild game. 

Mr. Coffin has traveled quite a good deal, has a reten- 
tive memory, and takes great pleasure in telling of the 
sights. From 1850 to 1852 he lived in Iowa; thence he 
wended his way across the plains to the gold regions of 
California, where, for two years, he had an experience 
brighter in imagination than in reality. From California 
Mr. C. returned to Iowa, by way of Panama, New York 
and Chicago. But still not contented with any point 
vet visited between the Atlantic and Pacific, save on the 
fertile, salubrious soil of old Hancock, he determined 
to retrace his steps, and accordingly, in 1865, permanentl\- 



66 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

located in Blue-river towrivship ; where, with the wife of 
his bosom and the companion of his travels, he is enjoy- 
ing a peaceful old age ; and would, doubtless, take pleas- 
ure in telling the reader a hundred fold more than we have 
recorded. 

Mr. C. is a square-built, muscular man, a good Mason, 
a republican, and an orthodox Friend. 

Personal Sketch of Augustus Dennis. 

Mr. Dennis was born in Virginia in June, 1827 ; came 
to Hancock county in 1844 ; w^as married to Miss Jemima 
C. Tyner in October, 1847. Mr. D. was bred on a farm, 
and has given that branch of industry his whole attention. 
He came to the county a poor boy, with only twelve and 
one-half cents in his pocket, and worked at eight dollars 
per month. He now has a good farm in tine state of cul- 
tivation. 

Mr. D. is an uncompromising democrat, 3'et he accords 
to others what he asks for himself — liberty to think and 
act for himself. He has ever since early manhood been 
identified with some religious society, connecting himself 
fii'st with the Methodists, and later becoming a member of 
the Friends Society, as it best suited his opinions and con- 
venience, without the sacrifice of any vital principle taught 
bv the church of his first choice. 

Mr. D. was elected countv commissioner lor the first 
commissioner's district in 1878 over Elisha Earles, a wor- 
thy opponent, by 3,000 majority. 

He has always taken a decided stand on the side of 
temperance, both by example and precept, and even hesi- 
tated to qualify as commissioner, owing to the relation of 
the office with the licensing of the traffic. 

Sketch of the Pioneicr Life of Harmon Warrum. 
{^l^urnisJicd by his son, I/o/iorablc JVobIc M^arr/tiii.) 

Harmon Warrum was a Kentuckian bv birth, the son 
of an Enijlishman who went to Kentuck^• from Penns\l- 



BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIl'. 67 

vania in an early day, and who was recognized as an 
expert w'ith the rifle, and also a proficient backwoodsman, 
being constantly employed as scovit and trailer. He died 
when the subject ot" the above sketch was quite a child, 
leavinn" him in the care of an uncle, whose name was 
Thomas Consley, on whom fell the duty of educating him 
for the stern realities of frontier life which he was destined 
to experience. After arriving at majority, he became a 
rather cool, self-possessed man, endowed with great cour- 
age and pM^sical ability. He was quick to resent a wrong 
and never forgot a kindness. He w'as an active, strong 
man, having fouo'ht, wrestled and run with both whites 
and reds, but never vanquished. 

He came to Indiana about the year .1807, and in 1809 
or 1810 married a young lady of English descent, who 
had lately emigrated from Georgia. Her name was Edith 
Butler. I was born in 1819, and when about four years of 
age my father moved to Hancock county (then a part ot 
Madison), and settled on Blue River, in the southern part 
of the county, and took a title for the land now owned and 
occupied by Dayton H. Gates, Esq. This was the lirst 
piece of land entered in the county : he alse entered the 
last piece situated on Swamp Creek — the tirst on August 
10, 1821, and the last on January 16, 1854. 

When he first came to Blue-river it was a dense wilder- 
ness for miles and miles ; no sound save the rustling ot the 
leaves, the moaning of the wind, and the angry voice of 
the storm cloud ; no music broke the calm stillness of the 
summer air save the buzzing of mosquitoes, the howling 
of the ravenous wolves, or the fierce }'ell of the prowling 
panther : no noisv hum of laboring factories ; no clanking 
hammers in dusty shops. No, the great work-house of 
nature, covered with the blue canopy of heaven, walled 
in only bv the horizon, and lit up by nature's lamps, suf- 
ficed . Then we heard no ringing of Sabbath church 
bells; no locomotive whisde. Had a train of cars passed 
through the country at that time, the pioneers would have 
declared it haunted. 



68 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 

Our nearest neighbors, about seven or eight miles dis- 
tant, living on Brandywine, were the families of Roberts, 
Montgomery and Stephenson ; but after awhile here 
came the Tyners and Johnses ; also, Penwells, Watts and 
Wilsons to our immediate neighborhood. But neighbors 
living then at a distance of eight or ten miles apart were 
more neighborly than those of to-day in adjoining lots. 
Well, as neighbors kept coming, cabins were being put up 
in every direction. Everything in a bustle, and all at 
work that could work. The pioneer cabin was cheaplv 
made and easily constructed. Ours was built of round logs, 
notched to lay closely together ; the roof was of four-foot 
clapboards, weighed down by poles laid across each course 
of boards ; then there was what was termed the " eaves 
bearer," a log laying parallel with the ends of the cabin, 
and projecting about eighteen inches over the wall ; a 
good splitting stick was selected, split through the center, 
placed on the ends of the "eaves bearer," and notched 
for the roof boards to butt against ; this was called the 
"butting pole" ; a door-way was sawed out, and the logs 
were used as steps ; then a window was cut, a s/'iiglc open- 
ing ; we called it a window because it was the largest hole 
in the cabin to let in the light ; it was made by placing 
.sticks across as a frame-work, on which a piece of greased 
newspaper was placed ; through this the light shone like 
<lim moonshine through the room ; the chimney was built 
■of sticks and mud, and was called " cat and clay chim- 
ney." While this rude hut was being constructed bv 
father, mother, a hired hand from a distance, and my old- 
est sister, the family were living, with all of their house- 
hold goods, in a hollow sycamore tree. 

After moving into our new house, we furnished it with 
a couple of one-legged bedsteads, produced by father's 
own hands ; and he not being a professional mechanic, 
they were, consequently, not so stylish as those from the 
factories of to-day. But I rested just as easy on them as 
many do to-day on their seventy-tive dollar bedsteads. 

Then the doors were of puncheons pinned together. 



HLUE-RIVER TOWNSHII'. 69 

Such a thing as a nail was not to be had. The hinges 
were of wood, and the door-hitch, a wooden catch, or 
trigger, which, when shut, was opened from the outside by 
pulling a string, one end of which was fastened to the 
latch, and the other, passing througli a hole in the door 
above, hung outside, so that those who wished could enter. 
To lock the door, you would pull the string inside. Hence 
the stereotyped expression, " the latch-string hangs out." 

Half the floor, which was made of puncheons lying 
loosely across the sleepers, was not finished for about a 
year after we moved into our cabin home. The hired man 
soon left, declaring that he would stay no longer where 
the air was black with gnats and mosquitoes. Said he : 
•' If they were the size of me, I would light them ; but 
they are just a little too small and too many to keep com- 
pany with." T have seen the air darkened by flies, gnats, 
and mosquitoes, a number of them weighing over a pound : 
but I can't say that it would take a small number. 

The winters passed on slowly, but we had always an 
excellent supply of venison on hand. Being an excellent 
marksman, father's table groaned under the abundant sup- 
ply of turkies and deer ; but it was an impossibility to pro- 
cure salt with which to preserve the venison. It was then 
necessarily taken through a process called "jerking." 
This operation was performed by cutting the fleslw parts 
of the body of the deer, cross-grained, into thin slices, 
which were duly placed on splits and hung inside of our 
"cat and clay chimney" and garret to dry, after which 
process it would keep from months to years. When in 
very great need of salt, father would make his way back 
to Wayne county in quest of that rare article. I remem- 
ber on one occasion, after his journey of riding one horse 
and leading the other, on whose back the salt was strap- 
ped, that when we had removed the bag of salt, we 
removed the hair also, for the brine caused by the melting 
of the salt had lain bare the sides of the horse. 

The first mill of the neighborhood was at Fall Creek 
Falls, afterwards called Fall Creek Mills. The distance 



yO HISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

beiiiL;" ab )ut t\vent\-Hvo miles, lather imui^ined it quite con- 
venient tor milling". And as he was a skillful backwoods- 
man, and had some knowledge of the route and locality, 
it was agreed that hi should take his yoke of oxen and 
the fore wheels of his wagon, and with a "turn of corn '" 
h)r himself and each of his neighbors, cut his may through 
to Fall Creek Mills. Preparing himself with ammunition 
and his gun, followed by his trusty dog, he "'blazed"" his 
\va\- through the thick forest. And after receiving his 
grinding, he started upon his homeward journey ; at night. 
'" coralling '" his oxen and making his bed under his cart, 
he made his dog lie at his feet as a protection from the 
wolves. One night the wolves approached where he was 
laving, and the poor dog kept crawling higher and higher 
until he lay on father's face. He awoke and frightened 
the w^olves away. When he returned home, after being- 
absent four or five days, he was sure to bring in some four 
or five pairs of venison hams, the same number of deer 
skins, three or four wald cats, and about a dozen raccoon 
skins. Those deer skins w^ere ver\' useful, as I was 
clothed almost entirely in buckskin, dressed bv mv father's 
hand and cut and sewed with whang, or thongs, b\' the 
hand of my mother. Father always kept on hand from 
six to a dozen dressed deer skins. And when mv mother 
would treat me to a new pair of buckskin breeches, I felt 
very proud, and w^ould hang on to mv old ones as long as 
possible to save my new^ ones for Sundaw Occasionallv 
I was presented wath a buckskin hunting-shirt, a loose at 
the bottom and tight at the top arrangement similar to a 
sack coat, having a cape wdiich hung over the shoulders, 
fringed all around by splitting the cape into threads for 
some two or three inches from the edges, similar to the fly- 
nets w^e cover horses with to-day. I have attended dances 
where all of the young men were incased in their buck- 
skin suits. Then the girls were neatly attired in plain 
dress. Little did they care for outside show\ Thev lived 
for something higher than an earthly fancy, Thev looked 
not after the fashions of the day. Thev had pride, it is 



bluk;-rivi2r township. 71 

true, but wisdom too. Their pride was for their home and 
countr\', and they labored for its upbuikhnir. They were 
good for the sake of goodness, and truer, better wives 
were never known. And in a few years they became ver^• 
attractive to me, especialh' the younger ones. It seems 
that it did not take as much to beautifv them then as now. 
I thought them the most beautiful of God's creation. None 
of those humps and tucks and frills, nor ribbon and lace 
and birds tails placed on top of their heads. 

Praver-meetings were organized, to which ladies would 
walk a distance often of from four to five miles ; but the 
meetings were held almost always in the dav-time. On 
•one occasion it was announced that the Rev. James Ha- 
vens (father of George) would preach at the widow 
Smith's cabin, on a certain night. Night meetings being 
tew, I attended, as much through curiosity as anything 
else, it being a rare thing ^o hear preaching ; it was always 
exhorting. Some time during service the dogs got to 
lighting at the door, causing considerable confusion, which 
soon subsided ; then the Rev. Havens took time to remark 
that the devil and the dogs always attended night meetings. 

Almost everv" pioneer who attended church on the Sab- 
bath, came with gun on his shoulder ; and if a deer or 
wolf crossed his track, and a favorable opportunity pre- 
sented, he killed it. They were wide-awake and always 
on the lookout. And thus they were supplied with pro- 
visions. Father once killed three deers without, probably, 
moving from his tracks. The way of it was this : Father 
was out on a hunting expedition, walking through the 
forest, gun on shoulder, and I was riding a little distance 
behind, when we suddenly came upon three good-sized 
deer — one was an old one, while the others were appar- 
ently yearlings — grazing peacefully along, until the well- 
known crack of my father's rifle laid the old one low ; the 
fawns stood watching their mater in the agonies of death 
until father, twice reloading, placed a veil between them 
and the painful sight — one falling dead on the spot, the 
other runninij some flfty yards before falling. I was, on 



72 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

that occasion, on horseback, a very common thing, for the 
purpose of carrying in the game ; frequently coming 
loaded with a dozen turkies. Usually in cool weather we 
tore out the entrails from the deer, and placing the end of 
a pole in the body would run it up a tree, thus preventing 
the wolves from making a meal of it ; and, if there was 
snow on the ground, we visited them soon, and, lashing 
them together with withes, hitched them to a horse and 
dragged them home on the snow. If there was no snow, 
we took them the best way possible. 

Often a bear would lurk forth and attack some lonely 
pioneer's hog-psn, or poultry-house, or sheep-fold. Father 
kept his sheep in a pen a little in the rear of the house. 
This was to be able to protect them from the wolves, 
whose growls and snarls were heard many times at the 
fold. As a surer way of protecting the sheep, father went 
to Wayne county and procured- two savage curs. They 
could drive awa}^ or whip any wolf, but were never able to 
hold them until assistance arrived. From constant run- 
ning, dogs were taken with a disease called the "slows." 
Father thought a great deal of his dogs, but lost them. 
One was bitten by a rattlesnake and died. It was no 
uncommon thing to kill from twenty to twenty-five black 
rattlesnakes in a day. 

On one occasion my father returned from Shelby (there 
was no Shelbyville then, there being only a small black- 
smith shop where it now stands), followed to the house by 
a pack of wolves. 

Soon after Mr. Penwell settled in our vicinity. He 
came to father's house one morning and solicited his 
assistance, telling him that a large bear had attacked his 
hogs, killing one and devouring it within a stone's-throw 
of the house. They got father's bear dogs on the trail, 
and followed it as far as the Big Swamp, on Brandy wine, 
where all trace of it was lost, never getting sight of it 
but once. Our experience in backwoods life was full of 
such incidents. 

A large eagle had built a nest, not far from our house, 



HLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIl> 



73 



in a very Inrge sycamore tree. After a great many trials, 
my father brought his trusty rifle and unerring aim to bear 
upon this "monarch of the clouds," and brought him to 
the ground severely wounded. He was then attacked by 
the dog, who soon drew olT much the worse for the wear, 
having the skin ripped open at the back and hanging down 
on either side. When at last he yielded, we stretched his 
wings apart, to lind that they were eleven and one-halt 
feet from tip to tip. 

About this time there was a tanyard, the tirst there had 
been in the county, established a short distance south of 
Cleveland, by a Mr. Wood. To this we went for our 
tanned hog-skin, with which we soled our moccasins. It 
wore very well ; but if left too near the hre, the soles 
would curl up and burst off, and were to be tacked on every 
morning ; so it became necessary for us to rise quite early 
tor that as well as for earning our daily bread, which was 
some times more than half pumpkins, meal being scarce; 
this was called pumpkin bread. 

Pumpkins being our only fruit, so to speak, we took 
pains to preserve them. First, we peeled them, hung 
some of them on poles, placed some of them in the garret, 
and some in the lower room, to dry. Frequently they 
were boiled, mashed fme, spread thin and smooth on a 
board, and dried into what was called " pumpkin leather." 
This was reserved for use when the pumpkins were gone. 
This was made into delicious pumpkin pies. 

The country was new and the people were few; 

But what there were, were brothers; 
They'd never eat this savory meat 

'Til tliey shared it with their brothers. 

The first physician in my father's house was an old 
doctor from near where Freeport now stands, an old and 
venerable physician by name of Dr. Tracy. The second 
was Dr. Lot Edwards, one of the first doctors in Green- 
field. The settlers in those days were principally their 
6 



74 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



own M. D.\s, iisin*:^ roots and herbs instead of drug's and 
liquors. The medicinal properties ot" plants ^vere learned, 
to a large extent, from straggling Indians, whom the set- 
tlers saw quite often, sometimes in small tribes. 

These old pioneers, when gathered together, were not 
quarrelling over the political issues of the day. They left 
that to those occupying the higher positions. They were 
not in the habit of gathering to listen to flighty orations, 
but simply sitting around giving their hunting narrations, 
encounters with bears, strugglings against want, and suf- 
ferings from mosquitoes. The world turned the same then 
as now, and turned just as easily, too. And I firmly 
believe that were our country thrown back into a wild con- 
dition, where nature's handiwork alone shone torth : 
replace these smooth, unbroken meadows \vith mighty 
branching oaks, towering maples and spreading b^ech : 
let deer, with arched necks and statel}' step, their haughty 
antlers bowed as the}- graze from the abundance of wild 
irrass lining the little rivulet, abound ; let the hoarse 
and angry growls of ever-famished wolves be heard ; the 
rustling of the leaves and breaking of limbs, over which 
the sluggish bears are stalking ; together with the life-like 
cry of unseen panthers, the howling of wild cats and the 
screaming of eagles, and people it with the same people ot 
to-day, it would go to the dogs, and the people eventuallv 
starve. This arises from a different kind of education. 
Those pioneers were men of iron wills and nerves of steel. 
They were endowed with a knowledge of the differ- 
ence between right and wrong. Truth and honesty 
beamed from every countenance. They were industrious 
as well as adventurous. Though they loved the wild and 
savage backwoods life, they were working for the promo- 
tion of civilization. They knew none but the school of 
experience. At their touch the mighty monarchs of the 
forest turned to dust and ashes. At their glance the wild 
beast cowered. P'or their children and their posterity they 
toiled and denied themselves the luxuries of civilized life. 
^'The latch string always hung outside of the door," so 



I{LUE-KI\'EK TOWNS I IIP 



75 



that the \vear\- pilgrim of lite might enter. You had but 
to ask, and you would recei\e. Tliey toiled. l'he\- 
practiced self-denial. For what? For their children. 
For the upbuilding of a civilized country. Have they not 
achieved success .'' Look aroimd you. Whence came 
these cities and towns, with their factories and shops and 
mills and beautiful buildings and churches? Whence 
came these lovely farms, wit!i their orchards of luscious 
fruits, their fields of waving corn, their ripe meadows, and 
gem-like lots of golden wheat? Had vou an ear for 
nature's song, these would Jill your ears with praises for 
those hardy pioneers, some of whom, much to the discredit 
of those for \vhom they toiled, are still in the Held, a few 
of them barely keeping want from their doors. They 
li\-ed, as God intended you and I and every one should 
live, by the sweat of the brow, determined to earn their 
bread before eating it. Many of them, like Columbus, 
never li\ed to enjoy what they achie\'ed, but we .hope are 
repaid b\' heavenly comfort. 

Wksti^kx Guovii CiiUKcii. 

This meeting was established in the Eleventh Month, 
1864. 

The society held its meetings for ten years in a log 
house formerly used as a potter's shop, located a few rods 
north of the present building. 

Prominent among its first members were Elias Marsh, 
Isaac Beeson, John Hunt, Elihu Coffin and Mahlon Beeson. 

The first minister that ever preached in the house was 
x\senith Clark (Dr. Dugan Clark's mother), followed by 
Luther B. Gordon, Mahlon Hockett, Mary Rogers, Jane 
Jones, and several others. The present minister is Joseph 
O. Binford. 

The house now in use was built in the year 1874. ^^ 
is a handsome, substantial frame building, size 36x44, 
erected at a cost of $1,400. 

Regular meetings are held twice every week. The 



76 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

mid-week meetin<ijs occur on Fourth Day (Wednesday). 
The monthly meetings ahernate with Westhind. 

The organization is in a health\-, flourishing condition. 
Present membership, one hundred and sixty-five. 

A Sabbath-school in connection with the church has 
been kept up the year around ever since its organization. 
Present superintendent, Thomas L. Marsh. Average 
attendance, iiftv. 

The organization term themselves Friends, but are gen- 
erally known as Qiiakers. 



BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER I\' 





Tp. 
. Line 


14 


'3 


iS 


17 


16 


■5 


In 


^3 


24 


'9 


20 




22 




2b 


25 


30 


-'9 


2S 


1 
27 


Tl 


35 


36 


V 


32 


iT, 


34 



s 



Scale: Tvjo viile.i to the inch. 

MAP OF UKANDYWINE TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING TIIF. SECTIONS, TOWNSIIII' AND KANOKS OK WHICH IT IS COMPOSED. 

Tm.s township takes it.^; name from Brandywine, the 
principal stream in the township. It was, organized in 
1828, and then consisted of the entire central part of the 
county, what now constitutes the second commissioner's 
district, to-wit : Brandvwine, Center and Green town- 
ships. In 1831, it was reduced in size to thirty sections, 
its present length east and \vest and one mile greater north 



78 HISTORY OF IIANXOCK COUNTY. 

and south. This reduction was made by striking off Cen- 
ter and Harrison townships. Center then consisting of 
eighteen sections and Harrison of the remainder north. 
In 1835. Bi'^^ridywine tonwship was further reduced in size 
one tier of sections, six miles long on the north, which 
was added to Center. From 1835 to the present she has 
remained unchanged. 

It is located in the central southern part of the county, 
and is bounded bv Center township on the north, Blue- 
river on the east, Sugar-creek on the west, and Shelby 
coimtv on the south. In extent, it is six miles east and 
west and four miles north and south, being the smallest 
township in tiie count}'. It is all located in township lifteen 
north and ranges six and seven east. Two tiers of sec- 
tions on the west are in range six, and four on the east are 
in range seven. The range line dividing the two frac- 
tional congressional townships of wdiich Brandywine is 
composed, runs past J. G. Service's land, dividing the 
farm of B. F. Wilson. 

The principal streams are Brandywine and Little Sugar 
Creek. The former enters the township on the north line, 
one and one-half miles west of the north-cast corner, and 
flows south b}' south-west through the township, passing 
out through section thirty-two into Shelby county. Little 
Sugar Creek is a small stream, which rises in the south- 
western part of Center township, enters Brandywine town- 
ship on tlie northern line, one mile east of the north-west 
corner, and flows south four miles to within one mile of 
the southern line ; thence south-west, entering Shelby 
county at. the south-west corner of the township. Both of 
these streams are small and sluggish, and not now con- 
sidered available for water-power ; hence this township, 
unlike Blue-ri\'er, Sugar-creek, and others, intersected by 
larger streams, has no water-mills at present ; yet, in the 
earl\- hist()r\' of the countv there were two small mills on 
Branch wine — one in Harrison township and one in Bran- 
dywine. 

Tlie first grist-mill in I)i"ancl\'witie township was louilt 



BRANDY W I N I-: T O \ V N S 11 1 1 • 



79 



by N. Swim in the year 1826, and located on Brandvwinc 
Creek, in the central part of the township. Swim after- 
wards attached a small saw-mill ; but soon sold out to Geo. 
Troxwell, who added a tiny bolt to run b\' hand. Trox- 
well was a man of considerable enterprise, lie carried on 
a hatter shop at the mill, and also built a still-house near 
by. The water some times got too low to grind, when the 
people patronized a small horse-power " coflee-mill " on 
the Dickerson farm, then in Urandywine, now Center, 
township. 

William Wilkins run a saw-mill in the south-east part 
of the township for several years. 

There is at present no flouring mill in the township. 
There was one at Carrollton run for a number of years, 
but recently moved away. 

In 1856, II. and J. Comstock erected a steam sav\'-mill 
in Carrollton. It was burned down a few years since, and 
was rebuilt by Wm. Gordon. It is now owned and run by 
James Boyce. 

Brandy wine township was tirst settled in about 1820. 
Isaac Roberts and family came in 1819. Prior to which 
there were located: David Stephenson, James Mont- 
gomery, and a Mr. Rambo. Soon afterward came James 
McKinney, Jonathan Potts, James Montgomery, N. Swim, 
George Troxvvell, James Goodwin, J. II. Anderson, 
Robert and James Smith, Jacob and Joseph Zumalt, and 
William Lucas. Among the oldest present residents of 
the township are : Mrs. Isaac Roberts, J. P. Banks, John 
Roberts, William Thomas, sen., Mrs. Andis, Richard 
Milburn, Wellington Collier, and Alfred I\)tts. 

This township is rather level, with jiortions undulating. 
No swamps. The soil is good. 

The township once abounded in line timber in great 
quantities, similar to that in -adjoining townships. She 
has recently sold off her walnut and large quantities of 
the oak. 

Brand\w'ine has fourteen miles of toll-i")ike and three 



8o HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

miles ot* railroad. The Cincinnati, llamilton and Indian- 
apolis cuts off the south-west corner ot" the township. 

The first school-teacher in the township was Abraham 
Vangilder. 

The first birth was Mercer Roberts, daughter of Isaac 
Roberts. 

The hrst burial in the township was Emily Roberts. 
The next, a child of James Montgomer}'. The latter in 
1824. 

The first man married in the township was Zedric 
Stephens, who was married in a shed covered with brush. 
The supper consisted of spice-wood tea, corn-bread, veni- 
son and hominy. 

The tirst church house was built of logs and puncheons, 
by voluntary labor, in 1830, on the farm of James Smith. 
It was burned down in 1858. The first ministers were 
Hale, Horn, Vangilder, and a blind man b}- the name of 
Hays. 

Brandyxtine township has seven public school-houses, 
numbered and named as follows, and at present supplied 
with eight teachers, w^hose names are set opposite the 
respective numbers : 

District No. I . . . Sugar Creek Allen Bottsford. 

District No. 2. . .Cowden's John F. Peck. 

District No. 3. . .Pleasant Hill Henry W. Buck. 

District No. 4. . Porter's Vickie Wilson. 

District No. 5 . . . Scott's James White. 

District No. 6. . Lows' Chas. A. Reed. 

T-,,. ^ . ^ ^T ^ ^-, ,,. (W. H. Glasscock. 

District No. 7 , . . Carrollton -, \ n- r-i 1 

' (Allie Cjlasscock. 

The estimated value of school-houses, including seats 
and the grounds, is $5,000: value of school apparatus, 
globes, maps, etc., $200 ; total value of school property, in 
the judgment of the writer, $5,200. Total number of school 
children, 416. 

The population of the township in 1880 was 1,216: 
number of polls, 207. The population in 1870 was 1,061 : 
in i860, 986 ; in 1850, 826. 



BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP. 



8l 



The township is democratic by about one hundred and 
forty majority. At the presidential election for 1880, the 
vote stood as follows : Democratic vote, 203 ; Republican 
vote, 57 ; Greenback vote, 22 ; total vote, 282. 

This township has 15,245 acres of taxable land, valued 
at $351,940; improvements valued at $41,370; value of 
lots, $1,116 ; improvements on same, $3,245 ; value of per- 
sonal property, $108,520; total value of real and personal 
property, $506,235. 

The township will pay, in 1882, for this year's taxes. 
$5,717.85. The following will show who pays $40.00 and 
upwards of this amount : 



Andis, Isabelle $41 35 

Andis, J. R 65 30 

Andis, Morgan 52 40 

Banks, J. P 45 10 

Bentley, T. E 60 60 

Comstock, J. W 51 35 

Comstock, Jas., heirs.. . 54 00 

Duncan, Eph 55 45 

Espy, Paul 5<^ 05 

Gates, Henry 63 75 

Hutchinson, Smith.... 75 S"^ 

Hacklcman, Abe 49 -^ 

Jeftries, Uriah 57 4^ 

Low, Julia A 53 ID 

Laribee, F. W 4^ 05 

McDougall, D. and D. 47 55 



Milborn, Richard .$170 

Milborn, Leonidas.... 48 

Milborn, Wm. A 178 

Porter, W. H 67 

Porter, J. W 67 

Parnell, James 7-^ 

Pope, Sarah 45 

Roberts, John 41 

Randall, Ed 43 

Service, J. G 46 

Smith, T.L 56 

Thomas, J. S 40 

Tyner, James 63 

White, J. Q. 53 

Wilson, W.F 57 

Wilson, B. F 78 



"5 

30 

50 
10 

85 

50 
00 

60 

^S 
80 

95 
00 

80 

3; 
6:; 
6'. 



This township has one brass band. 

There are three churches in the township, — one Chris- 
tian, one Radicl Methodist, and one United Brethren. 

Carrollton, on. the Junction R. R., is the only village 
in the township, a full description of which appears else- 
where. 

Cowden's School-house, in the central northern part, is 
the voting precinct. 

Duncan McDouu:all, a native Scotchman, a teacher. 



82 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

farmer, tile manufacturer, democrat and a gentleman, is 
entrusted with the school interests of the township, and the 
care of her poor in addition to other minor matters. 

B. F. Wilson and T. \V. Laribee preside over the 
scales of justice in this township. The following are the 
ex-justices of the township, with the date of election, since 
her organization, from the best information accessible : 

Benjamin Spillman 1828 Ahram Limin<2^ 1856 

Orange H. Neff 1830 Mark Whitaker 1859 

Joseph Chapman 1831 Abram Liming 1S60 

Joseph Thomas 1832 Benjamin F. Goble 1S63 

Eleazer vSnoclgrass. ...... 1836 Alfred Potts 1865 

Abram Liming 1842 Andrew J. Smith 1868 

G. Dillard 1842 Geo. W. Askin 1867 

Abram Liming 1847 Alfred Potts 1870 

Henry Lemain ^^847 LTriah Low 1872 

Mark Whitaker 1849 Ephraim Ward 1874 

Abram Liming 1852 John Q_. White 1876 

^lark Whitaker '^^^^ Uriah Low 1S76 

Tae followinj^ are ths township trustaes, with the date 
of their election, from the time they were empowered with 
authority to lew local taxes : William Service, the father 
of J. G. Service, was elected in 1859, '^^^ served for ten 
years. Andrew Wdliamson was elected in 1869, and 
served his township faithfull}^ till the election of his suc- 
cessor. J. G. Service was elected in 1874, '^^^ continued 
till the election of the present trustee. 

William Wilkins, ex-county sheriti', who died in office 
during his second term, was from this towfrship, 

William Thomas, jun., ex-sheritf, and James Tvner, 
ex-commissioner, are both residents of the township. 

It was hare that Ezekial Wright, aged tvventy-tive, and 
Thomas Hughes, aged eighteen, were instantly killed by 
the falling of a tree, April 19, 1849. Mr. Wright's onlv 
daughter is now the wife of A. T. Brown. 

In this township William Alvea was killed bv the fall- 
inir of a liwib, in about the vear 1S60. 



BRAND YWINE TOWNSHIP. 83 

Near Carrollton, a son of Henr}- Carrington was killed 
by the cars soon after the railroad first passed through the 
place. 

The chief exports of the township are corn, cattle, 
hogs, wheat, horses, and flaxseed. 



CHAPTER V. 

Carrollton. 

This little village is located in the south-west part of 
the township, on the C, H. and I. R. R., about seven 
miles south-west of Greenfield. The railroad gave the 
station at this point the name of Reedville, but the town 
has always borne the name above. 

It was laid out bv Hiram Comstock, on the 25th of 
February, 1854, ^^^ consisted of twenty-five lots. The 
first and only addition ever made to the town was by Rev. 
M. S. Ragsdale, in 1870. 

It contains a school-house, one church, one steam saw- 
mill, two merchants, one grain shipping firm, two black- 
smiths, one wagon-maker, one phvsician, two carpenters, 
one painter, one postmaster, one shoe-maker, and one 
barber. 

It has a daily mail and United States express. 

The present business men are : — 

Merchants — McrcJiaiits and Grain D'V rs — 

Lucas & Son. I?oi:ixg & Huttox. 

Blacksmiths — Carpenters — 

Thomas Taylok, James Peck, 

Emanuel Matillo. W.\r. Thompsox. 

Wagon Alaker — Shoe-maker — 

William Strope. Edward Seacrist. 

Painter — Physician — ^ 

\ Joiix Peck. |. \\\ Lakimoiul 



84 HISTORY OV IIANCIKK CtirN'PV, 

liarhcr — Ii.\/>rcss Ai;r//^ — 

IKniKK Wu.i.is. L. BouiNc;. 

Posfniastcr — 

John D. T.icas. 

Ainono- tho tirsi business men dI" this little bury were : 
John Elmore and the tirni ot' Andrews and Roseberry. 
merchants; Hiram Comstock and Warren Kinix, physi- 
cians ; Frank Lucas, blacksmith ; ]Martin Eakman, wag'on- 
maker. and William Eskew, shoe-maker. The lirst post- 
master. (). II. P. McOonald. 

Sic^.ar-Crekek CiiiRCH (Christian). 

in lManil\ wine township, located one and one-halt' miles 
north ot" Carrollton. and or<]fanized in the vear 1831. tirst 
met at the private house of William Thomas, senior. 

The tollowing" were among the original members : 
William Thomas, sen., father of Ex-Sheriti' Thomas: 
Elizabeth Thomas, Helry Thomas, John liaker, Elizabeth 
Haker, William McConnell and wite, James and Margaret 
Anderson, and Eleazer Snodgrass. 

The tirst preachers were Elders fohn Gregg. D. Ht^lt, 
and J. P. Banks. 

The meetings were afterwards held in a log school- 
house one mile north o\ Carrollton. 

The present house was built in the vear 1869, at a cost 
oi $2, OCX), and dedicated by O. A. Burgess. Size of 
house, 38x48. 

The tollowing are the present trustees: John S. 
Thomas, Robert Davis, and Henrv Frv. 

Among the more recent Elders were Arthur Miller. 
David Franklin, Robert Edmondson. and Elder Bennett. 
The present preacher is Elder Coffield. 

This church has a good Sunday-school, organized 
about 1869. Present superintendent. Robert Williamson. 
Averaije attendance, tortv-tive. 



ukandvwine township. 85 

Eden Chapel (United I^ketiikenj, 

was organized in the year 1840, and located one mile east 
of Carrollton. 

Among the lirst members were George Muth and 
family, Mrs. Higgenbottom, John Elmore and wife, Mrs. 
Hoagland, and others. 

The meetings of the society were held in George 
Muth's house until 1850, when a substantial frame house, 
costing $1,400, was built. 

The first ministers were George Muth, Amos Hanaway 
and Rev. Father Ball. 

About 1866, they sold their house to the Radical Meth- 
odists, who are still holding forth in the same house, with 
Rev. Callahan as their present minister. 

The United Brethren removed the class to Carr(jllton 
about the year 1879, ^^^^ held their meetings in a small 
building formerly the old public school-house. Present 
minister, R.ev. McNew. 

This church has a prosperous little Sunday-school. 
Willard Low, Esq., superintendent. There are several 
small Sunday-schools in the school-houses. In 1866, the 
Brandywine Union Sunday-school was organized at Cow- 
den's School-house. J. P. Banks, superintendent. Rob- 
ert Williamson has been superintendent for about eight 
years. There are also Sunday-schools at Porter's, Scott's, 
and Pleasant Hill. 

I^RAss Band. 

The Brandywine Township Brass Band was organized 
October 10, 1880, with the following members: Aaron 
W. Scott, Edgar B. Thomas, J. W. Thomas, Charles 
Scott, John Liming, Carson W. Rush, Emanuel Smith, 
Frank Kinder, James Scott, William Scott, John Gwinn, 
and Aaron Alyea. All young men living in the township. 
Cost of instruments, $146. 

Their first teacher was Isaac Davis, of Greenfield. 

OfHcers : Frank Kinder, president : J. W. Scott, 
treasurer : Charles Scott, secretary. 



86 history of hancock county. 

William H. Porter. 

The subject of this sketch was born May lo, 1810, near 
Davton, Ohio. He came to Fayette county \yith his 
parents at the age of eighteen. 

He run on the riyer as flat boatman for four years from 
Kanawha Salt Springs, W. Va., to New Orleans, at fifty 
cents per da3\ 

In 1^32 he came to Hancock county and entered one 
hundred and sixty acres of land in Brandywine townshiji. 
where he remained till his death, in 1866. 

His remains rest in Mt. Lebanon cemetery, near his 
farm. 

He was a successful, prosperous farmer in his time. 

He raised three sons. J. W. and F. M. Porter are 
both respectable citizens and prosperous farmers in their 
natiye township. William H. Porter is engaged in butch- 
ering in Greenfleld. 

P/Irs. Isaac Roberts. 

This good lady, the mother of John Roberts, is the old- 
est resident citizen in Brand}' wine township, haying come 
to the "new purchase" prior to the organization of the 
territory into Madison county and settled on the farm now 
owned by Marion Steele. 

She was married in New York just at the close of the 
war of 181 2. Her husband was a faithful, yalient soldier 
of said war. They came through on foot, carrying their 
effects, and crossed the Ohio River in an Indian canoe. 
They settled in the dense forest, making a temporary room 
by piling brush against a large log and covering it with 
bark until they could erect a small pole cabin. 

There was at that time no roads, and not a mill within 
thirty-five miles. Beat hominy, venison and spice-wood 
tea were the chief eatables. 

During the Indian troubles following the " Indian mas- 
sacre " in Madison county, of which this later formed a 
part, her husband and Mr. Rambo went to Pendleton, the 



KRANUYWINE TOWNSHIP. 87 

count}' seat at that time, to attend the trial and act as 
guards. There was great uneasiness all over the country 
at this time, the whites not knowing at what time thev 
might be murdered by the justly indignant Indians. These 
two women remained alone during their husbands' absence 
at the trial, a lull account of which will be found further 
on. During this time one evening Mrs. Roberts, hearing- 
considerable noise, opened the door to discover the trouble, 
when Mrs. Rambo, more thouo-htful, bid her come in, 
which she did just in time to escape the jaws and chuvs of 
a hungry panther, which prowled around and over the 
cabin and against the door till the morning light. 

Mrs. Roberts tells of another narrow escape from a 
panther on a certain occasion when she and her little boy, 
eight or ten years of age, were in the r^'e patch. She was 
laying up the gap, when the little boy said, '"Mother, 
what is that in the weeds?" She, seeing that it w^as a 
panther just in the act of springing on the boy, snatched 
him from the spot, and, putting him in front of her, made 
for the house ; but it was not so easy to escape the cunning 
of the blood-thirsty panther, which intercepted their path 
in the rye and sprang for the boy, who, being active, 
barely succeeded in escaping unhurt. The mother, in 
seeing the ferocious beast ali'ght on the spot where her 
darling boy had just saved a precious life, was so fright- 
ened that she was unable, for some time, to move from 
the spot. 



BROWN TOWNSlilP. 



CHAPTER VI. 




In Tp. 



'Pp. Line 



oi 



Sfn/c: Tzvo miles to the inch. , 

MAP OF nuOWN TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING THK SECTIONS, TOWNSHIP AND KANtJliS OK WHICH IT IS COMPOSKD. 

This township took its name from Prior Brown, one of 
the lirst settlers. It was organized and incorporated in the 
year 1833, '^t which time it was struck oil' from Green, of 
which it had formed the eastern part for one 3'ear, prior to 
which it had been a part of Jackson for a similar time, and 
preceding that a part of Blue-river for three years. 



BROWN TOWNSHIP. 



89 



Brown not being one of the original townships, like 
Blue-river and Brandywine, just described, and Sugar- 
creek, yet to consider, it now becomes necessary to digress 
a little and introduce a map and explanations, in order to 
make clear to the mind of the young reader the origin and 
early history of the township now under consideration, 
and of the other non-original townships to follow. 



Green. 



Blck-creek. 



Slgak-ckeek. 



Harrison. 



Center. 



Brandywine. 



[ackson. 



BUE-RIVEK. 



Scale: Six mi lex to the inch. 

HANCOCK COUNTY IN 1832 



Explanations^ Siigi^'cstions, and Historical Jurrts. — In 
order to comprehend the descriptions of the origin and 
earh" history of the county and several townships, the 
reader should study carefulh' our outline maps and history 
connected therewith ; also the wall map published in 1875 
by the senior member of this firm. To show the number 
of the townships and their exact size and location by 
maps, would require eight illustrations. We hardly deem 
it necessarv to give all : but with what we shall introduce. 



go HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

together with the printed history, the student ma}- easily 
comprehend the various political changes. 

Let the reader ever bear in mind that the county con- 
sisted of — 

In 1828, three townships — Blue-river, Brandywine and 
Sugar-creek. 

In 1831, seven tow^nships — Center, Jackson, Harrison 
and Buck-creek being added. 

In 1832, eight townships — Green being added. 

In 1833, nine townships — Brown being added. 

In 1836, ten townships — Vernon being added. 

In 1838, twelve townships — Jones and Union being- 
added. 

In 1850, thirteen townships — Worth being added. 

In 1853, nine townships — Harrison. Jones, Union and 
Worth being annihilated. 

With this brief outline, in connection with the maps 
given, to w^hich we shall often refer, the reader mav 
readily locate any and all of the civil and congressional 
townships, present and historical. 

Location^ Boundary , Size,, Topography Timber, ete. — 
Brow'n tow^nship is located in the north-east corner of 
the county, and is bounded bv Madison county on the 
north, Henry on the east, Jackson township and Henrv 
county on the south, and Green township on the w^est. It 
is the only township in the county that is not partialh' 
bounded by Center. 

In dimensions, Brown is six miles east and west and 
five miles north and south ; and, consequently, consists of 
thirty sections. It is all located in township seventeen 
north and ranges seven and eight east, the west tier of 
sections being in range seven and the remainder in range 
eight east. 

In topography, the -face of the township is mainly- 
level, though somewhat undulating in the vicinity of the 
streams: soil, limestone deep, rich and lasting; subsoil, 
gravel and clay. 

It was once heavily timbered with beech, sugar-maple. 



BROWN TOWNSHIP 



9' 



oak, elm, walnut, cherry, and poplar, and especiall\- 
abounded in fine oak. The destroying angel passed over 
this township and selected out the fine walnut and poplar 
and claimed them for his owrj. 

It is almost wholly an agricultural and grazing district. 
The only manufactories in the township, outside of the 
flouring mills, are a saw-mill and a tile factory. 

Streams. — Sugar Creek enters the township at the 
north-east corner and fiows south-west three and one-half 
miles to the center of section twenty-one, and within half 
a mile of Warrington ; thence north-west, dipping into 
Madison countv at the north-west corner of section eight : 
thence south-west, passing out on the west line of the 
township, one and a half miles south of the north-west 
corner, on the west middle line of section thirteen. 
Brandywine rises west of Warrington, in section twenty, 
runs south by south-west and passes out of the township 
one and a half miles east of the south-west corner, and 
near the middle southern line of section thirty-one. Wil- 
low Branch rises in the Western central part of the town- 
ship, in the eastern part of section twenty-four, and flows 
south two miles ; thence west, passing out a half mile 
north of the south-west corner. The Pedee rises in the 
south-east part of the township, flows north-west four 
miles, passes Warrington on the north-east, and empties 
into Suirar Creek in section seventeen. Brandvwine, in 
Brown, is a small, torpid stream. The flrst of these streams 
once furnished limited water-power for "corn-crackers" 
and "muly saw-mills," but has no mills on its banks 
to-dav. The last two are short, sluggish brooks, rising 
in wet, marshy land and flowing through level territory. 
are of little use save for drainage. 

Earliest Land Entries. — The flrst land entered in the 
township was on July 3rd, 1830, by Prior Brown, being 
the east half of the north-east quarter of section thirty- 
three, in township seventeen north, and in range eight 
east. The second entrv was made on December 2d o\ 



92 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

the same year, by Isaac Davis. This hind was then in 
Blue-river township. 

First Settlers. — Among the first settlers of the township 
were : Prior Brown, after whom the township was named : 
John and Ezekiel Morgan, Geo. Nance, Mr. Davis, Perry 
Wilson, Sarah Baldwin and her family of seven children, 
Morgan McQviery, the Johnses, Nibargers, Sparkses, 
Hiatts, Seth Walker, Mosby Childers, Stephen Harlan, and 
Thomas Collins. All of whom are gone to the happy hunt- 
ing grounds bevond the rolling river, and with the spirit's 
eye look with pleasure on the pleasant surroundings of their 
posterit}', now^ enjoying the fruits of their labors. At a 
later date came Alfred and Jolm Thomas ; Jonas Marsh, 
the father of William, Montgomery, Ephraim, and Dr. 
John L. Marsh : William Bussel ; Aaron Cass, grandfather 
of Annetta Cass, murdered in Green township ; John Havs 
and Joel Cook, steady, prosperous farmers. 

First Flection. — The first election in the township was 
in 1834, held at the residence of Barzilla Rozell. The 
ballots were cast in a hat, and covered with a kerchief. 
There were no complaints of " stufting the ballot box "' in 
those halcyon days. 

Mills ^ ninly and modern. — The first grist-mill in the 
township was simply a corn-cracker, built by Stephen 
Harlan in 1835. '^^""^ located on Sugar Creek, one and one- 
half miles north-east of Warrington, near where the Con- 
cord church now stands. This mill was run successfullv 
tor several years, when Harlan abandoned it and erected 
a new one on a more extensive scale lower down the 
stream propelled In- an overshot wheel. The older citi- 
zens declare that the wheel was too large and set too high 
to secure the proper fall for the water, which in the dry 
season was low ; so that on the occasion of letting the water 
into the race, it passed down ver}^ slowly till it came to a 
craw-fish hole, when it suddenh' disappeared, to the utter 
chagrin of tlie enterprising miller and the amazement of 
the rural spectators. 

In about 1852, Lane & Co. built a sash saw-mill in the 



BROWN TOWN'.sIIIP. 



93 



central southern portion of the township, whicli tliey run 
for a number of years, wiien thev sold to Dr. S. A. Troy, 
who refitted it and kept it in operation for two years, and 
then traded it off, and it was moved away. 

Daniel Blakely, in about 1836, erected a small saw- 
mill on Sugar Creek, near Nashville, which fed upon the 
choice logs of the vicinity for a number of 3^ears. 

A Mr. Jenkins built a steam saw-mill in the north-east 
part of the township in 1850, and run it for a considerable 
length of time. 

Harlan & Brown, about 1855, erected a steam saw- 
mill near the old Harlan mill, referred to above, which 
was successfully operated for, probabh', ten years. 

Trees & Company erected a steam circular saw-mill 
in Warrington about 1863, just across the road east from 
where the present flouring mill now stands. 

A little west of Nashville, on the pike, Allen Walton & 
Brother built, about 1868, the largest and most successful 
circular saw-mill ever erected in the township, if not in 
the county, which continued in operation till 1879, when it 
was removed. 

I^oads. — This township is reasonab]\' well supplied 
with good public roads, many of which have been graded 
and graveled by her enterprising citizens. There are in 
the township nine and three-fourth miles of toll pike, 
besides about six miles surrendered to the public. To 
this township belongs the credit of having the first gra\'el 
road toll pike in the county, built in 1859, ^^^ known as 
the '• Knightstown and Warrington Gravel Road."' 

Railroads. — This township has no railroad completed. 
The I., B. and W. are extending a line through the 
county, which will pass through the township, entering at 
the S')uth-west corner and passing out near the central 
middle line on the east. 

Synopsis. — Brown township has four churches, to-wit : 
Baptist, Methodist Episcopal, United Brethren, and 
Christian. 



94 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



There are three secret orders in the township — Masons, 
Odd Fellows, and Daughters ot' Rebecca. 

It has two villages, — Warrington and Nashville, — and 
two post-ofilces, — Warrington and Willow Branch. The 
former is the only voting precinct. 

She has a tile factory, flour mill, saw-mill, three pikes, 
one county officer, one mill stream, two border counties, 
and is democratic by about sixty majority. 

Teachers and Schools. — The names and numbers of the 
schools, and the teachers at present employed, are as 
follows : 

District No. I . . . Sparks Miss Laughlin. 

District No, 2 . . . Clifton P. H. Copeland. 

District No. 3. . .Garriott W. P. Bussel. 

District No. 4. . .-Buchanan S. N. Ham. 

District No. 5. . .Warrini^ton M.J. Scuffle. 

District No. 6. . .Mays Jennie Kitterman. 

District No. 7. . .Brewer Rose M. Thompson. 

District No. 8. . . Democrat Lucy Tvlorris. 

District No. 9. . . Spiceland W. J. Thomas. 

Remarks. — These several schools are numbered similar 
to the numbering of the sections in a congressional town- 
ship, No. I being found in the north-east corner and No. 9 
in the south-west, there being three tiers of houses of three 
each. The Buchanan school-house is located in the 
western middle part, near J. N. Martindales farm. The 
senior member of this lirm once swayed the green birch 
with regal authority at this point, and had the honor of 
having under his instruction the future count}^ clerk, 
Ephraim Marsh ; Dr. John L. Marsh ; . and 13r. David 
Myers, since deceased. At the old original Spiceland 
school-house, Dr. J. G. Stuart, of Fortville ; Wm. Sagers, 
and Montgomery Marsh, also received his instruction. 

In 1838, Montgomer}' Marsh attended a school located 
just north of the Buchanan, the building of which w'as 
made entirely of buckeve logs. The teacher was David 
McKinse\-, now in the poor-house of this countw 



BROWN TOWNSHII' 



95 



Population (Did Polh. — The scholastic popuhition of 
Brown for 1881 is 489. Polls, 243, Population for 1850, 
878; for i860, 1,161 ; 1870, 1,329; for 1880, 1,400. 

Vote. — The number of votes cast in Brown in 1836 
were 52 ; in 1840, 1 10 ; in i860, 205 ; in 1870, 235 ; in 1880, 
328. Her vote for President in 1881 stood: Republican, 
125 ; democratic, 186; independent, 17. 

Value of Real and Personal Property. — Brown town- 
ship has 19,248 acres of assessed land, valued at $423,620. 
Her improvements on the same are valued at $53,810. 
Value of town lots, $2,330; with improvements on the 
same valued at $6,380. Personal propert}^ $158,605. 
Total value of real and personal property. $644,745. 

Taxes. — This township is assessed for the current year, 
to be paid in 1882, for $7,141.45 taxes. Of this amount, 
the following men pay $40 and upward, viz. : 

Armstrong, T. heirs. .$43 10 Martindale, J. N % 70 70 

Armstrong, Thos. H. . 56 75 Martindale, E.J 44 ^ 5 

Bussel, M. P 57 70 McDaniel, J. A 88 50 

Bridges, John 61 25 McCray, S 68 40 

Collins, R. J 54 00 McCray, John 100 15 

Collins, J. F 49 95 Mays, John "^^ '^ 

Cook, J. F 6755 Reeves, B. F 9190 

Combs, John 7070 Reeves, Elijah heirs. . 70 So 

Copeland, Lewis 98 90 Reeves, Jane S6 75 

Eakins, W. S 57 75 Risk & Hosier no 90 

Enright, Robert 42 55 Sparks, W. A 4° ^5 

Forts, J. heirs 80 So Thomas, M. J 5^ 45 

Foust, H. E. & J 44 15 Thomas. John M 197 85 

Harlan, S. heirs 48 55 Trees, Wm 9^ 4^ 

Hamilton, J ! 47 75 Trees, J. R 4.3 7° 

Howrin, T. J 62 60 Trees, J. W., sen 78 25 

Holliday, F. heirs 55 60 Thomas. A. B 48 05 

Hays, J. B 43 9° Vanderbark, J. W. ... 86 20 

Hays, Wm. M 64 25 Wilkinson, B 49 80 

Hays, R. R 58 05 Woods, Robert 80 00 

Hatfield, W. E 64 90 White, J. W 42 35 

Johns, Mat 5° 25 



^6 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Mtirdcrs, Suicides^ and Remarkable Deaths. — It was in 
this townsliip that a Mr. Bell, brother of Senator Bell, ot' 
Madison county, was eaten by the wolves in 1838. His 
body was found by Mosby Childers north-west of Nash- 
ville in a badly mutilated condition. His bones, and frag- 
ments of his clothing and pocket-book, were picked up in 
different places. Cause of death never known. 

In 1832, a child of Vincent Cooper was frozen to 
death on the banks of Sugar Creek, in this township. It 
had wandered from home and w^as lost. 

In the earl}' history of the township a man by the name 
of Tullus committed suicide, by hanging, within one hun- 
dred yards of Warrington. 

In 1856, William Mitchell, a 3'oung man, was killed 
by horse-racing, being thrown against a tree by the horse 
taking an opposite side of the tree from what the rider 
intended he should, and supposed he would, take. 

Alfred Jones' wife committed suicide in 1875, ^J h^i^li'- 
ing in a small house near her residence. Cause unknown. 
Her husband was absent from home at the time. 

Tozvuship Trustees. — The following are the names of 
the township trustees from the time they were empowered 
with authority to lev}' taxes, together with the date of their 
appointment : 

Wm. L. Garriott iS:;9 J. \V. Trees 1S64 

Montp^omerv Alarsh 186 1 Wm. Marsh 1S6:; 

B. F. Reeves . 1863 Wm. L. Garriott 1S7S 

It will be seen from the abo\'e that William Marsii held 
the office of trustee for more than a dozen years, and we 
speak from our own personal knowledge in testifying to 
his earnestness and efficiency. William L. Garriott swa3's 
the scepter at this date, being the first and last trustee in 
the township under the new regime. Attorney Marsh and 
Esquire Ree\'es carried the township safely through the 
perilous times of the civil war. 

yiistiees of the Peaee. — The following are the justices 



BROWN TOWNSHIP. 97 

of the peace for Brown township from its organization to 
the present time. We copy from the records since 1840. 
Prior to that time we find no records either in our own 
court-house or at Indianapolis in the state records. 

BarzlUa Rozell Unknown Wm. L. Garriott 1863 

Seth Walker 1836 Benjamin McCarty 1862 

Robert Eakin 1840 Benjamin F. Reeves 1866 

Daniel Wilkinson 1840 Benjamin McCarty 1866 

Robert Eakin 1S45 Alfred F. McKinsey 1870 

A. D. Childers 1848 Benjamin F. Reeves 1870 

Neville Reeves 1S50 Benjamin F. Reeves 1S74 

A. D. Childers 1853 H. B. Collins 1876 

Robert Eakin 185:; Benjamin F. Reeves 1878 

A. D. Childers 18^7 Joseph Garriott 1880 

Benjamin McCarty 18:^8 

Esquires Reeves and Garriott hold the scales of justice 
in Brown at present. 

Ex-Cottnty Officers. — Brown township, like Virginia, 
the mother of Presidents, has not been wanting in furnish- 
ing county officers. 

Amonfy these ex-officers we call to memory Ex-Auditor 

o 

Lvsander Sparks, one of the pioneers of the township. 
His father was the tirst merchant in Warrington. 

Captain Taylor W. Thomas, deceased, late resident of 
Center township, was elected and served as sheriff Irom 
Brown. 

Wm. G. Caldwell, one of the staunch resident farmers 
of Brown, was the immediate predecessor of William 
W^ilkins as sheriff of the count}'. 

Of the ex-commissioners were Seth Walker, Daniel 
Wilkinson, and Nevil Reeves, all honest, honorable, 
"well-to-do" farmers. 

Ex-Prosecuting Attorney M. Marsh and Ex-County 
Surveyor James K. King were both elected in Brown 
township. 

There may be otiiers : but as there is no record ot tin- 



9^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

residence of the various county officers, it must be taken 
from memory and hearsay, which are not always rehable. 
Exports. — The chief exports of Brown are corn, wheat, 
hogs, cattle, horses, lumber, and flaxseed, with small 
quantities of apples, potatoes, and sheep. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Warrington 



was laid out near the center of the township, on the Fort 
Wayne State road, by John Oldham, on the 6th of Octo- 
ber, 1834, and consisted of forty-eight lots. The flrst and 
only addition to the original plat was made by Dr. Wm. 
Trees on the 13th day of April, 1877, and consisted of 
eight lots. 

Warrington is about tifteen miles north-east of Green- 
field, on the Knightstown and Pendleton turnpike, the 
extremes of which are its shipping points. 

It has no railroad, except in prospect. The I., B. and 
W., when completed, will have a depot within about one 
and a half miles. 

It has two churches, three lodges, a school, flouring 
mill, two stores, a postoffice, and other essentials to a 
small, village. 

It has been the voting precinct since 1834. 

The Knightstown and Anderson daih' stage passes 
through Warrington. 

It has a daily mail, with Henry C. Garriott postmaster. 

The post-office was kept for many years by Samuel 
Blakely at his private residence, between Warrington and 
Nashville. 



BROWN TOWNSHIP 



99 



Among those who did business in earlier dius we 
note : 



General Merchants — 

John Sparks, 
Barzilla Rozell, 
Robert Eakin, 

James K. King, 
furgason & goble, 

J. R. Trees, 
Seward & McComas, 
Trees & Marsh, 
Montgomery Marsh. 



Physicians — 

Logan Wai.lace. 
William Trees, 
Aaron Gregg, , 
William Reed, 

C. C. LODER. 

Harness and Shoe Maker 
Wesley Lawyer. 



The following are the present business men : 



(rcneral ^Merchants — 
H. C. Garriott, 
Tharp tt Brother. 

Physicians — 

William Trees, 
R. D. Hanna, 
Elbert Johnson. 

I Tn de r taker — 

Wm. L. Garriott. 



Boot and Shoe Maker — 
John Miller. 

Bla cksm ith — 

William Kenyon. 

Harness Maker — 
Levi Cook. 

Tile Manufacturers — 

CoPELAND & Garriott. 



Nashville, 

located two miles north-west of Warrington, on Sugar 
Creek, was laid out December 30, 1834, ^y I^lal<-ely and 
Kennedy, and consisted of thirty-two lots, most of which 
have been sold for delinquent taxes. 

The only business now in the place is blacksmithing, 
by Morgan Whisder. 

In the earlv history of the place, Elisha Thornburg 
kept a general store, followed b}- Allen White and others 
for a short time. 

Willow Branch P. O. 

is located in the south-west part of the township, on the 



TOO HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Stream Willow Branch, Irom which it derives its name. 
The place contains eight dwellings, a store, blacksmith, 
painter, plwsician, post-oflice, aware-room, and a saw-mill. 

The first business done in the place was in 1874, by A. 
B. Thomas, who established a store and accepted the 
appointment of postmaster for Willow Branch, when the 
office was removed from across the line in Green, where 
it had been kept for a number of years by Jonathan Smith, 
a farmer and merchant. 

The business of this place is done by A. B. Thomas, 
merchant, grain and implement dealer ; Henry Kenyon. 
blacksmith and carriage maker ; George Fowler, painter ; 
H. B. Ryon, Phvsician ; and Pleasant Manlove, proprie- 
tor of the saw-mill. 

Mail tri-weekly. Bruce Thomas postmaster. Railroad 
" a-coming," to pass within a half mile. 

Concord Baptist Church 

was organized October 29, 1838, at the house of Stephen 
Harlan. Morgan McQiiery was chosen moderator and 
Jacob Parkhurst clerk, with the following members : Wil- 
liam Sparks, Jane Wilkinson, Hiram Harlan and wife. 
Charity Wilson, Jane Ross, and Stephen Harlan and wife. 

The way of life and salvation has been definitely 
pointed out from time to time during the history of the 
church b^' the Ibllowing Elders, to-wit : Daniel Cunning- 
ham, John F. Johnson, Thomas Smith, John Sparks, J. F. 
Collier, S. D. Harlan, and T. S. Lyons ; the latter of 
whom is the present preacher. 

The lirst meetings were held in private residences until 
the existence of log school-houses, which accommodated 
the congregation for a number of 3'ear.s, terminating in 
1855, when the present frame building, thirtv-four h\ 
thirty-six feet, was erected and completed in good st}le, 
and dedicated in 1856 by Elder John Sparks. 

The iirst trastees were Cicero Wilkinson, William 
Wright, and Jacob B. Hamilton. 

This society is of the regular Baptist taith and order. 



i 



BROWN TOWNSHIP. Id 

The White Water Association has often held its annual 
meetings at this phice. 

Present membership, thirty-seven. Church clerk, J. 
P. Harlan. 

Adjoining the church on the east is a cemeter}-, where 
many of the pioneers Via slumbering. First interment, 
Caroline Mays. 

ZiONS ClIAPEL M. E. 

The Methodist Episcopal Church had a small society 
in the early history of the township near Nashville. 
Among the first members were John Kenned}' and wife, 
Mariah Wilson, Samuel Griffith and wife, Elizabeth 
Walker, wife of Seth Walker ; Sarah Newkirk, John 
Nibarger, Sarah Nibarger, and Amanda Childers. 

This society met at private residences in the winter 
time, and at the log school-houses during the warm season, 
until they built a church in 1839 '^^ Nashville. It was con- 
structed by voluntary labor. The chief contributors were 
Samuel Griffith, John Kennedy, Seth Walker, Thomas 
Collins, David Noble, Dr. William Trees, and Thomas 
W. Collins. Thev continued to meet here till 1856, at 
which time the building became untit for use, and a school- 
house near by was brought into service until 1859, '"^^ which 
time this society united with a small organization at War- 
rington and erected the present building, known as Zions 
Chapel, located at a midwav point, being two miles north 
of Warrington and one and three-fourth miles east of 
Nashville. Tiie Warrington wing held their meetings at 
the house of Dr. William Trees, one of her generous and 
most liberal members, prior to the coalition with the Nash- 
villeites. This building was biu^ned in July last ; but at 
this date thev are rebuilding at an estimated cost of $1,100. 
Present minister. Rev. John Thomas. 

The United Brethren, 
of Warrington, organized a meeting about 1859, ^^"*^^ wor- 



I02 HISTORY OK HANCOCK COUNTY. 

shiped in Zions Chapel till 187 1, at which time they built 
a neat, irood-sized frame buildint^ in Warrinfjton, at a cost 
of $2,400. The new building was dedicated in the same 
year by Bishop Edwards. The minister was Milo Baily. 
The trustees were John W. Trees, John Bridges, and 
Thomas Armstrong, The present minister is Rev. Felix. 
Presiding Elder, Milton Wright. The membership is 
numerous. The society is in a flourishing condition, and 
has upon its church rolls some of the best and most influ- 
ential men of the township. 

Christian Church, WARRiNcrrox. 

This church was flrst organized near Elizabeth City, 
and was known as the " Six-Mile Church." It was organ- 
ized about the year 1838 by Peter Rader, who was its flrst 
pastor. Haying quite a number of the best citizens as 
members, it continued its usefulness for several years at this 
point. Death and removals having crippled it so much, it 
was discontinued here as a church organization ; but sub- 
sequently reorganized near Warrington, where the follow- 
ing Elders preached occasionally : Robert Low% Drury 
Holt, John Walker, and Silas Mawzy ; all of Rush count}-. 
The meetings at first were held at private houses and log 
school-houses in the immediate neighborhood. The soci- 
ety struggled long and hard to build a house in which to 
worship ; but were unable to accomplish the object, being 
low in spirits and few in numbers, and, in 1862, disorgan- 
ized. In March, 1877, the society took fresh courage, and 
was again established, or reorganized, b}' Elder Robert 
Edmonson. J. N. Martindale and John McCray were 
chosen Elders, and John Vandyke and C. C. Loder dea- 
cons. H. C. Garriott, clerk. The church edifice is very 
well located in Warrington ; is a handsome frame, thirty- 
six b}^ fifty-four feet, constructed at a cost of $1,650, and 
will seat five hundred persons. It was dedicated Decem- 
ber 25, 1877, by Elder Wiley Ackman, who preached 
for the society two years, followed by Elder David Frank- 



BROWN TOWNSHIP. lO,^ 

lin, who was succeeded by Elder Cornelius Quick, the 
present pastor. The society is in a prosperous condition, 
with a membership of eighty. On the 20th day of March. 
1877,]. N. Martindale, John Vandyke, and W. L. Gar- 
riott were elected trustees. 

[We are indebted to W. L. Garriott, Esq., of Warriui^- 
ton, for the above facts.] 

Free Masons. 

The Warrington Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons. 
No. 531, was chartered Ma}- 22, 1877, with the following 
officers : William Marsh, W. M. ; J. A. Hamilton, S. W. : 
A. C. Walton, J. W. The charter members were, in addi- 
tion to the above officers, Wm. G. Caldwell, F. M. Gra- 
ham, John Vandyke, Wm. M. Haves, H. B. Wilson, and 
Robert Blakely. ' 

The following are the present officers : Wm. Marsh, 
W. M. ; J. A. Eakin, S. W. ; J. A. McDaniel, J. W. : 
Wm. Trees, Treasurer; J. D. Hedrick, Secretary; G. W. 
Coon, S. D. ; J. S. Orr, J. D. ; F. M. Graham, fylor. 

The past masters of this lodge are W. G. Caldwell. 
William Marsh, and George W. Summerville. 

The lodge is in a prosperous condition, and owns a 
lodge-room valued at $800. The total membership is 
twenty-five. Nights of meeting : Wednesday evening, 
on or before the fulling of the moon in each month. 

There was a lodge of Masons in Warrington organized 
in 1856, prior to the above, which continued for ten 3'ears. 
when the lodge-room was consumed by fire, the charter 
surrendered and the organization discontinued till the 
establishment of the above. 

Among the first members of the original lodge were 
the following: W. P. White, J. K. King, Lysander 
Sparks, John Vandyke, James McCray, Moses Cottrell. 
J. A. McDaniel, Wm. Marsh, W. G. Caldwell, Thomas 
Walker, F. L. Seward, Andrew Vandyke, Ananias Conk- 
lin, and James Daughert}'. 



I04 iiisTOKN oi" HANCOCK (.orN'rv. 

1. (). (). h\ No. 411 ( Wai<i<in(;'1()n). 

This lodi^i' dali's iVom llic issuing' ol llu'ir chartrr Ma\ 
21, 1S7J. 

'i'lu' cliaitrr mcnihcrs wore William Tires, J. I). New- 
kirk, J. (j. 'J'rees, Williain Keiiyon, and I leiiryC Cjaniott. 

(Jllieers: R. K. Hays, N. Cj. ; William Kenyon, V. 
(x. ; John (i. Trees, Secretary ; William Trt>es, Treasurer. 

"The total membership at present is lortw It is in i^ood 
condition financially and otherwise. It owns the room 
where it meets, built at a cost of ^1,000. R(\<^ular nii^ht 
of meeting, Saturday evening of each week. 

DAiunrncKs oi- RiciuacA (WARKixirro.N). 

1^'riendship Lodj^-e No. i ^S of the 1 )auL;'hti.M-s of Re- 
bi'cca was organized in Warrington in iS7|. Dati' ol' 
charter, Dect'mber 16, 1874. 

CharttM" members: C. C. LodiM", |ennie Loder, W. 
II. Power, William Marsh, Sarah Newkirk, William 
Trees, Henry C. Garriott, John Miller, M. 1.. Miller, Wil- 
liam Kenyon, J. D. Newkirk, Matilda l^'ces, and A. M. 
Smith. 

Tlu> regular meeting of the society occurs on Thurs- 
(hiN on or before the full moon in each month. The mei't- 
ings are lu'ld in the Odd I<^c>IIo\\s' hall. 

Bi:N|AiMiN F. Ri':i:\i<:s, l^ls(.j^., 

was born in l>rt)wn county, Ohio, on the second day of 
Md\ , iS^S. In the fall of 1837 his parents mo\ed to Rush 
county, Indiana, and three ^'ears later came to Hancock 
county and settled on Iirandywine Creek, in iirown town- 
shij"), their home being a rude log cabin in the wilderiu'ss. 
I lis lather had a large famil\- of small children, and lu\ 
being the oldest, was compelled to work out from honu' to 
aid in maintaining the family. 

By the time he was grown he hail obtained, what was 
consicU-rinl in those da\'s, a iroocl I'ducation, and tausjiit 



BROWN TOWNSHIP. Iq:; 

school in the winter and worked at moulding brick in the 
summer. 

On the iirst day of November, 1849, ^^^ was married to 
Caroline Harlan, a daughter of Stephen Harlan, one of 
the first settlers of the county. The result of this union 
was ten children — five girls and an equal number of boys, 
eight of whom are still living. 

In the summer of 1863 he united with the Baptist 
church, and is still a member thereof. 

On the 25th of March, 1873, he had the misfortune to 
lose his wife, who was a most estimable lady, and sincerely 
mourned by all who knew her. On the 15th day of 
August, 1874, l^c was again married, choosing for his 
companion Nancy Garner, with whom he is still happily 
living. 

Mr. Reeves is well-known throughout the count}-, and 
perhaps no man in his township enjoys in a higher degree 
the confidence and esteem of the people ; and, as a result, 
lie has held many offices of trust. In 185 1 he was 
appointed school trustee by the county auditor, and in the 
spring of 1858 was elected township trustee, and again 
elected in the spring of 1862. In the spring of 1866 he 
was elected justice of the peace, and was re-elected in 
1870, 1874, '^"d 1878, having served continuously for fifteen 
years in that capacity, and, probabl}-, married more peo- 
ple than any man in the county. In addition to his duties 
as justice, Mr. Reeves attends to a large share of probate 
business. 

By his thrift and industry he has secured to himself 
one of the best farms in the county ; and now, in the even- 
ing of his days, surrounded by all the comforts of life, and 
enjoying the confidence and esteem of all w^ho know him, 
he can look back over the record of a life well spent and 
forward to a crown well won. 

Dr. H. J. Reeves, a young physician of good standing 
in " Liztown," Henry county, is his son. Another son is 
teaching school and studying law, preparatory to entering 
the legal profession. 

s 



brown township. io7 

Stephen Harlan 

wat^ a native of tlie old "Palmetto State,"" and dates his 
earthly career back to the tirst year ol' the present centurv. 
He came to Hancock county in 1834, ^^^^ settled in Brown 
township, on the farm which he entered, and where he 
lived and died. He was, consequently, one of the first 
settlers in this section. 

Mr. Harlan was married, near Connersville, to a Miss 
Sparks, a tall, slender, noble woman, still living beyond 
her three score and ten. 

The first brick house and the first mill in the township 
were built and owned by Stephen Harlan, who was not 
only an enterprising, thrifty farmer, but a miller and mill- 
wright, having built two grist-mills and a saw-mill, the 
first in 1835. 

He was a zealous member of the Baptist church. It 
was at his house that the meetings of this societv in Brown 
were first held. 

This liberal-hearted, brave pioneer "shuffled oft' the 
mortal coil" and bade adieu to earthly scenes April 19, 
1877, and was buried at the Concord Baptist church 
^mong his brethren in the faith. 

John Nibarger, 

•<i native of the "Buckeye State," was born in Green county, 
just at the beginning of the second war with the mother 
country. He emigrated to Hancock county in 1830 and 
settled on Sugar Creek, near the Concord Baptist church, 
in Brown township. He was married to Miss Julia Ann 
Walker in 1837. She dying, he was married the second 
time to Margaret Asbury April 3, 1845 ; and a third time 
to Sarah Mead, on P'ebruary 20, 1853. He had three 
children by his second wife. He obtained all of his wives 
in sight of his farm. 

Mr. Nibarger was a consistent member of the M. E. 
church, a thritty farmer, an exemplary man, and a good 
'Citizen. 



i08 history of hancock county. 

Phineas Thomas, 

a native of the "'Keystone State," began his earthly pil- 
grimage about the year 1765. He came to Kentucky at 
the age of nineteen, being about the year 1784, and under- 
went the hardships of a Daniel Boone life. He lived in 
a "block-house," with other families, as a protection from 
the ill-treated, wily red man, who encompassed them about 
so closely that they were compelled to place guards at the 
house while a few of the men worked in the adjoining field. 

From Kentuck}^ he went to Ohio, to engage in the 
United States survey, which he followed till the Indians 
became so hostile he was compelled to decline further 
employment. From Ohio he came to Rush county, just as 
she was first being peopled by the " pale face," where he 
remained for a few years ; thence to Hancock county, 
Brown township, in 1836, where he remained till his death, 
in about the year 1847, at the good old age of eighty-two.. 
Mr. Thomas was fond of frontier life, and was truly a 
pioneer from first to last. 

He left four sons and an equal number of daughters, 
viz. : Martha, Elizabeth, Margaret, Nancy, Alfred, John 
M., David, Ephraim and Taylor W. ; five of whom are 
living at this date, three sons and two daughters, all use- 
ful, good citizens. 

Mr. Thomas was a highly esteemed citizen that under- 
went the hardships incident to pioneer life. His remains 
lie buried in the Pleasant Hill cemetery, on the line between 
Jackson and Brown townships. 

Thomas Collins, 

of Brown township, was born May 9, 1806, in Gallia 
county, Ohio. He was married in the twentieth year of his 
age to Miss Sarah W. Bray, of the same state, where he 
remained for three years ; then, with brave hearts and 
determined hands, they set out to seek their fortune in the 
unknown forest, and, in 1829, stopped in Madison county, 
bought a little farm and remained four years ; thence to- 



BROWN TOWNSHIP 



109 



Hancock in 1833, where, for $400, lie purchased one hun- 
•dred and sixty acres of good hind in the native green. 
Here he toiled and endured the privations of a pioneer 
till 1834, when his companion died and left him in the 
wild woods with live little children to care for. In a short 
time he married Rachel Blakely, with whom he shared 
the fruits of industry for forty-four years. 

Mr. Collins succeeded in raising a large family, and 
provided well for their wants. He set off eleven children 
with over $3,000 each, and provided for the widowed 
mother her life-time. 

Mr. Collins attached himself to the M. E. church in 
1837, ^"d remained an earnest, faithful member till death. 
He was ever a liberal supporter of church and schools, 
:and read}^ to lend a helping hand to the advancement of 
•every good cause. He died July 9, 1878. 

William Trees, M. D. 

Dr. William Trees, of Warrington, Brown township, 
Hancock county, Indiana, is a native of the "Buckeye 
State," born in Clermont county September 9, 1816 ; and 
is, therefore, able to compare ages with the State of Indi- 
ana, and lose but little by the comparison. 

He emigrated to Rush county, Indiana, in 1826, while 
the county was yet new, and Hancock count}' not known, 
and studied medicine in Milroy with the well known med- 
ical firm of Doctors Day and Sharp, active physicians of 
their time. He then attended lectures, and took a course 
'Of study and instruction in the Indiana Medical Institute, 
receiving a diploma of which the following is a copy : 

INDIANA MEDICAL INSTITUTE. 

(Constituted February, 1839.) 

Unto -whom this may cotnc, greeting: 

Know ye, that Mr. William Trees having completed all 
the requirements of this institution, and been duly examined 
:according to its regulations in the various branches of medical 
:science, and found to be well qualified therein, 

We, therefore, by the power invested in us by the act of 



no HISTOliY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

incorpoiatitjii of this bodv, do authorize him to practice niech- 
cinc, surgery, and ol^stetrics, and recommend him to the favor- 
able notice of the profession and the patronage of the pubhc. 

David A. Cox. Prcsidott. 
^V^r. H. Martin, Secretary. 

H. G. Sexton, R. Robbins, 

R. T. Brown, David A. Cox, 

Wm. H. AIartin, I. Helm, 

Board of Examiners. 
Dated at Rushville, May 6, 1S39. 

Dr. Trees moved to Warrington, his present home, 
June 10, 1841, where he soon built up a good practice, an 
impregnable character, and a name that will go down to 
posterity loved and honored b}' all. 

Dr. Trees has been a liberal, consistent, zealous mem- 
ber of the M. E. church 'ever since its organization in 
Warrington. As previouslv remarked, it was at his house 
the meetings of this society were first held in Brown 
township. 

The Doctor is an intelligent, social gentleman, and 
generally well informed. 

Jonas Marsh, 

a native of the "Ancient Dominion," was born in Lancas- 
ter county in 1796. His father moved to East Tennessee 
in 1800. In 1837 ^^'- Marsh came to Hancock coimt}-, 
where he remained till his death, in March, 1877. While 
in Tennessee he followed wagon-making for about ten 
years ; but after coming to Hancock county he successfully 
enijaijed in farmini:^. 

Mr. Marsh was married in Tennessee to a Miss Ken- 
nedy, bv whom he had hve children : George, Henry, 
Elizabeth, Rebecca, and Mary Jane : the hrst of whom is 
now living in Missouri, and Henry is well known to oiu' 
citizens. By his second wife (who was a sister of the 
Hrst) he raised six children: William, Montgomery, Ma- 
tilda, Martha, Ephraim, and John ; the latter three of 
whom are natives of the township, the others are Tennes- 



HXOWN 'roW.NSIIII'. 



I I I 



seeans. The youngest i.-; a practicing physician : Ephraim 
is count}' clerk ; Montgomery is one of the older attorneys 
of the county ; and Martha is the wife of William Pratt. 

Mr. Marsh was one of the early settlers of the town- 
ship who helped to clear the forests, make the roads, and 
convert the wilderness into broad grain fields. Though 
not a member of any church or secret order, he was a 
tirm, honest, exemplary man, unpretentious and devoid of 
deceit. He died on his farm., and his remains lie buried at 
the McQiiary graveyard, near his home, where loving 
hands have placed a plain monument to mark the tinal 
resting place of his mortal remains. 

Dr. John L. Marsh. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Brown town- 
ship, this county, December 27, 1851. At the age of eight- 
een he entered the office of Dr. William Trees as a medi- 




nu. JOHN I.. MARSH. 



cal student. In 1872 and 1873 he attended a course of 
lectures in the Louisville Medical College. The next year 
he attended the Ohio Medical College, receiving the 



112 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

degree of M. D. at the close of the term. He was the 
3'oungest member of the graduating class, having just 
attained his twenty-fu'st 3'ear. After leaving college, in 
1874, ^^^ located in Warrington and entered upon the prac- 
tice of his chosen profession. The following year he mar- 
ried a daughter of John W. Trees. In the spring of 1877 
he moved to Greenlield, put out his shingle, and entered 
upon a lucrative practice. In the fall of 1879 ^^^ com- 
menced the publication of a medical journal, which soon 
gained an extended reputation. During the winter of 
1880, 1 88 1 he delivered a course of lectures in the Indiana 
Eclectic Medical College. In addition to his professional 
duties, he has contributed papers on scientific and medical 
subjects to various journals. 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Tp. Line 



In Tp. 



M M 



*rp. Line 



2 


' 


6 

1 


3 


1 
4 


3 


II 


12 


7 

i 


s 


9 


10 


M 


«3 


i 

1 

1 


17 


■' 


'5 


»3 


24 


«9 


ao 


31 


22 


a6 


25 


3<' 

i 
i 


29 


28 


27 


35 


36 

1 


V 


32 


33 


34 



17 N' 



16 X 



Scale: Two miles to the inch. 

MAP OF BVCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING THE SECTIONS, TOWNSHIP AND RANGES OF WHICH IT IS COMPOSED. 



This township took its name from the stream that flows 
through it, which, in turn, is supposed to have derived its 



I 14 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

name from tlie numerous " l")uck '" once found on its banks. 
It was struck off from Sugar-creek in 1831, and then con- 
sisted of the territory now embodied in botii 15uck-creek 
and Vernon. For five years it consisted of sixty-seven 
sections, when, in 1836, it was reduced to thirty-six sec- 
lions, its present size, by striking off the northern i^ortion, 
which took the name of Vernon. In 1838, Buck-creek 
was still further reduced in size (see map on p. 32) by 
striking off two tiers of sections from the south and adding 
to Jones township and one tier from the remainder on the 
east and adding to Union township, leaving it diminutive 
in size, of only twenty sections, from 1838 to 1853, at 
which time it was restored to its former size of six miles 
square, which it still retains. It is located in the central 
western portion of the county, and is bounded on the 
north by Marion county and Vernon township, on the 
east by Center, on the south by Sugar-creek, and on the 
west by Marion county. It is all located in township 
sixteen north and ranges five and six east. Township line 
sixteen forms its southern boundary and seventeen its 
northern. Two tiers of sections are in range five west 
and four in range six. The range line extends a half mile 
west of Mt. Comfort. 

The surface in general is \-ery flat, the, only rolling por- 
tion being in the south-west corner. The surface being 
low and wet, was once rather uninviting for settlement. 
It was ver}' heavily timbered with beecii, oak, ash, elm, 
sugar-maple, walnut and poplar, and especially abounded 
in fine burr oak. It has been ascertained since being 
cleared and drained that it is very productive. The soil is 
a black loam. The low portions previously thought luifit 
for tillage prove."? to be the most productive. 

S/rca>iis. — Buck-creek, a small, slu<;<j^ish mill stream, 
enters the township on the north line, at the north-east cor- 
ner of section five, and flows in a general south by south- 
west direction through the center of the township, a half 
mile east of Mt. Comfort, passing out on the south line 
near the south-west corner of tlie township. This stream 



lil'CK-CKEKK TOW .\-;HI!'. 11^ 

has no banks at all in the t()an>hi;), except tor about a 
mile throu<4"h the Fish tarm, on the south Hne. It has, 
therefore, been found necessary and expedient to deepen 
the channel in order to reclaim the o\erllo\ved land alonif 
the stream. Sugar Creek, a brisk mill stream, the largest 
in the township, cuts olT the south-east corner of section 
twenty-seven, and extends through section thirty-four. 

/vr.sV Sctllouciil iDui Lami E)ilrv. — This townsliip was 
first settled about the year 1H27, in the southern portion, 
llie first entry of land was made in the year 1822, Janu- 
ary 18, by George Worthington, being the south-east quar- 
ter of section thirt3^-four, in township sixteen north, in 
range six east. The second entry was made bv John 
Chamberlain, and the third by John Smith. 

First Settlers. — The first settlers in tliis t(nvnship were 
James JUirris, John Shirley, Thomas Craig, William 
Smith, William Arnett, Obadiah and John Eastes, J. A. 
Dunn, Thomas Rodgers, Isaac Snider, John Dance, Dan- 
iel Skinner, Archy Smith, Benjamin Percell, Charles Fish, 
Landis Eastes, ITance Steel, and the Beechman family. 
Burris, Smith, Rodgers, and Dance were from Ohio ; 
Shirley and Craig were from Kentucky ; Snider from Vir- 
ginia ; and Skinner from Delaware. At a little later date 
came George Grist, Joseph Wright, J. W. Shelbv. John 
and wSamuel Steel, John and William Collin-;, Jacob Smitli, 
W, A. Dunn, Lawrence and O. O. II u-voy, E, Sco::Len, 
S. Arnett, Owen Gritlith, J. II. M ir V.iy, J. W. Jam ob^ll,. 
and the Barnards and Parkers. 

/iirt/is, J)cat/is, Marriages, etc. — The fu'st child boi-n 
in the township was Permelia Craig, tiie wife of O. O. 
Harvey. The second, Archibald Smith, son of Jacob 
Smith. 

The first death w^as Thomas Rodgers, buried at the 
Scotten grave3'ard in about 1833. 

The first burial at the Arnett graveyard was Jennings 
Henderson, who was found frozen to death, one mile iVom 
his home, in 1847. lie had gone to Greenfield to get his 



Il6 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

gun repaired, and starting home late, night overtook him^ 
and the next morning was found dead. 

In about 1847 James Burris, a very industrious, quiet 
man, and one of the earliest settlers in the township, after 
giving some directions to his son, left the house, and going 
into the woods, sat down by a tree and opened the veins 
in his arms and bled to death. 

The first grown person buried in., the Steel graveyard 
was a daughter of Hance Steel. The first in the Dunn 
graveyard was the mother of William A. Dunn. The 
first in the Millard graveyard was Sarah Hodges, a sister 
of William A. Dunn. The first in the Snider graveyard 
was the wife of Isaac Snider. The first in the Eastes grave- 
yard was Lucinda Arnett, wife of William Arnett, junior. 

The first marriage in Buck-creek township was that of 
George Shirley and Fanny Crump. 

Among the first physicians were Doctors John H. San- 
ders, Lyman Carpenter, and J. W. Hervey. 

Ebenezer Scotten was the first blacksmith in the town- 
ship. George Grist, located near Mt. Comfort, is the only 
son of Vulcan following the trade in the territory now 
under consideration. 

The first resident preacher was Stephen Masters, and 
the second Philip Thurman. The first postmaster was 
Robert Wallace. The first teachers were Philip Masters 
and a Mr. Tisdell. 

The first school-house of any kind built in the town- 
.ship was erected near Isaac Snider's, senior, in the south- 
west part of the township. It was quite a rude afflur. 

Mills. — This township being poorly supplied with 
water-power, her streams being small and sluggish, she 
has not been noted for pioneer water-mills. The first and 
■only primitive grist-mill propelled by water-power was a 
•small hominy mill on Buck Creek, north, near Mt. Com- 
fort, erected in the year 1854 ^J William Eastes, and of 
short duration. The next mill was a steam corn-cracker 
and saw-mill located west of Mt. Comfort, about the year 
t86o, built by Corbin. It burned down in a few years. 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



117 



and was never rebuilt. Whitlock built a steam sash saw- 
mill in 1863, which was operated some four years, and 
then moved out of the township. A steam saw-mill erected 
by McLain and Buroaker, in 1869, located one and a half 
miles east of Mt. Comfort, was run several years, when it 
was moved north-west of Mt. Comfort two and one-half 
miles, where it was operated a short time, and where a 
portion of the mill and machinery still remain. Maulden 
and Hopkins erected a steam circular saw-mill on the 
south side of the road, a few rods east of Mt. Comfort 
school-house, in the year 1874, which was operated a few 
years, when it was burned ; but shortly rebuilt, run about 
two years, and then removed to Oaklandon, in Marion 
county. Ebenezer Steel erected a large tile factory on his 
farm, one and one-half miles north-east of Mt. Comfort, 
about the time the ditching enterprise first struck the 
county, which was kept in operation, doing an extensive 
business, for a series of years, or till all the immediate 
section of countr^^ was thoroughly drained. 

The above are the only mills of which we have any 
account, save the two circular saw-mills now in operation ; 
one of which is known as the Wilson mill, being located 
on the Adam Wilson farm, in the central eastern portion 
of the township, and the other erected the present season 
by Ebenezer Steel on his farm, located on the I., B. and 
W. R. R., about a mile north-east of Mt. Comfort. 

Merchandising. — From an examination of the old rec- 
ords in the auditor's office, we ascertain that in the year 
1832 John Eastes was licensed, according to law, to vend 
merchandise in Buck-creek township. His place of busi- 
ness was in the southern portion, where he kept a few staple 
articles in accordance with the demands. There is no rec- 
ord of further business at this stand. The settlement soon 
extended farther north in the township, covering the north- 
ern portion as well as the southern, which was first set- 
tled, thus making it necessary, for convenience, to change 
the place of business to a more central location. Thus 
originated the first store at Mt. Comfort, kept by Charles 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. Up 

Ray ; since which the following firms have held tbrth from 
time to time : Robert Chvirch, Church & Vanlaningham, 
John N. Eastes, Woods & Steel, W. J. Woods, Church & 
Thomas, Woods & Eastes, D. G. Hanna, J. W". Jay, and 
Smith & ]3ro. ; the latter of whom were succeeded by the 
present merchant and postmaster, S. S. Smith. 

Educational. — This township has nine frame school- 
houses, numbered, named and supplied with teachers for 
the present term as follows, to-wit : 

District No. i . . .Black Hawk.. . .Frank Tibbctt. 

District No. 3. . Boyd's E. E. Stoner. 

District No. 3. . .Offenbacker N. P. Whittaker. 

District No. 4 . Wallace Robert Hurley. 

District No. 5. . .Mt. Comfort. . . .Laura Dance. 

District No. 6. . Mints William Whittaker. 

District No. 7. . .Griffith Moses Bates. 

District No. 8. . .Russel S. S. Eastes. 

District JSTo. 9. . . Burris M. O. Snyder. 

These houses are numbered east and west as a bov 
would drop hills of corn in a row running in the same 
direction : No. i being in the north-east corner of the 
township and No. 9 in the south-west. The buildings are 
all plain, medium-sized frame houses, plastered and painted 
and covered with shingles, and each consists of a single 
room. The greatest want in an educational line at present, 
perhaps, is more apparatus. The nine school-houses are 
estimated worth $4,000; apparatus, $100; total, $4,100. 
Total number of school children, 492. Township insti- 
tutes in this township have generally been well attended, 
interesting and profitable ; more so than the average town- 
ship, owing to the interest manifested by the trustee in the 
matter. 

Synopsis. — This township has four churches, viz. : two 
United Brethren and two Methodist Episcopal ; one post- 
oflSce — ^^Mt. Comfort ; one voting precinct — School-house 
No. 5 ;.two circular saw-mills ; a pike ; one county officer ; 
one deputy ; two mill streams ; nine school-houses ; one 



I20 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

railroad ; live ex-count}' officers ; one store ; and a demo- 
cratic majority, on the vote for President in 1880, of twelve. 

I^oads. — Buck-creek township has less graveled road 
than any other township in the county, there being only 
three and one-half miles of toll pike within her borders. 
This is owing, no doubt, to her lack of gravel-pits, being, 
as previously remarked, low and wet. The roads are less 
improved and in worse condition in this township than in 
any other in the county. 

Railroad. — The Indiana, Bloomingtan and Western 
Railway Company has just extended its line through this 
township ; but have established no station as 3^et. 

Population. — The population of Buck-creek for 1850 
was 420; for i860, 999; for 1870, 1,227; ^o'' 1880, 1,460. 
In i860 there were five colored persons and no foreigners, 
and in 1870 there were thirty-one foreigners and no colored. 

Vote and Polls. — The vote for i860 was 189; for 1870, 
217; and for 1880, 357. The vote for President in 1880 
stood as follows : Republican, 166 ; democratic, 178 ; inde- 
pendent, 13. Polls for 1881, 279. 

Value of Real and Personal Property. — The number 
of acres of land assessed for taxes for 1881 is 22,620, val- 
ued at $528,895 ; improvements on the same, $37,545 ; 
value of personal property, $160,830; total, $727,270. 

Taxes. — Total amount of taxes assessed against her 
for 1881, to be paid in 1882, $646,326. Of this amount, 
the following men pay $40 and upward : 

Arnett, Jane $56 71 Huntington, S .$ 56 28 

Boyd, D. D 48 08 Herr, Kasper 47 46 

Craig, Sable 95 00 Parker, G. W 5° 54 

Camiibell, J. W 44 80 Steel, Samuel 106 39 

Crump, C. F 42 08 Steel, Ebenezer 151 36 

Duncan, J. W 56 38 Steel, Hance heirs .... no 35 

Eastes, Jolin C 42 78 Steel, Frank 243 03 

Fink, Henry S4 ^o Stoner, Daniel 51 86 

Griffith, Owen 41 45 Smith, Wm. sen 168 90 

Hanna, E. D 96 24 Sanford, F. M 46 72 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 121 

Ilanna, T. J 59 -^S Thomas, Ephraiin .... 68 :;6 

Harvey, O. O 49 6 1 Wright, Joseph 7^ 74 

The levy for each one hundred dolhirs in this township 
is seventy-eight cents.* 

Ex-Coiinty Officers . — Buck-creek was the home of 
Bazil G. Jay, ex-county auditor; Mordecai Millard, ex- 
sheriff; and John Collins, ex-commissioner; all deceased, 
but green in the memory of the older citizens. On her 
fertile soil and broad plains still flourish Joshua W. Shelby, 
ex-sheriff, and Ephraim Thomas, ex-commissioner, prom- 
inent men well-known throughout the countv. 

Productions. — ^Buck-creek is almost wholl}^ an agricul- 
tural and grazing territory, there never having been any 
manufactorfes in the township, save a tile factory, saw- 
mill, and a hominy mill, which did only a local business. 
Owing to the great abundance of bvu^r oak in this section, 
it is probable that when the new^ I., B. and W. Railroad is 
completed there wall, for a time, spring up a lively trade 
in lumber for staves, heading, etc. There is also an abun- 
dance of white elm poles, used in making hubs, which will 
probably be used. 

Phxsicians. — There being no located physicians in this 
township at present, the northern part of the tow^nship, for 
medical skill, call on the ph3'sicians of Fortville and Mc- 
Cordsville ; the eastern and southern part go to Greenfield 
and Philadelphia ; and the western to Cumberland and the 
above points. Dr. J. W. Hervey, of Indianapolis, named 
in the foregoing as one of the pioneer ph^'sicians, still has 
considerable practice among his old friends in the western 
portion of the township. The old citizens say that at one 
time nearly all the practice of the towmship was done bv 
tlie said Dr. Hervey and the following phvsicians from 
Greenfield, viz. : Drs. Lot Edw^ards, B. F. Duncan, N. P. 
Howard, and R. E. Barnett. 



*To ascertain the assessed valuation of a man's property, real and personal, divide 
the ta.N by the levy, which will give the number of hundreds. 



122 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

y/(s//ri's of the Peace. — Though the people of this sec- 
tion are quiet and peaceably disposed, it has been neces- 
sary, in compliance with law and the needs of the com- 
munity, to have disciples of Blackstone to settle the pett}' 
differences arising between people ; and for this purpose, 
the following justices of the peace haye been appointed 
from time to time in and for said township, to-wit : 

Alorgan Briiiegar 1S31 T. J. Ilanna 1S60 

Owen Jarrctt L-iiknown Joseph ^Vrio■ht 1S60 

Wyatt Denney Unknown \V. C. Wray 1864 

Esq. Peas. Unknown Allen Scotten 1S64 

William Arnett 1S41 Joseph Wright 1865 

Bazil G. Jav 1S41 James McKean 1867 

William Arnett 1S45 Joseph Wright 1869 

John II. Murphy 1848 G. W. Parker. . .• 1872 

John Eastes 1849 Joseph Wright ^873 

Mordecai Millard 1852 G. W. Parker 187(3 

R. A. Dunn 1853 Edward Rose 187S 

J. W. Shelby 1856 Wm. McConnell 1880 

Joseph Wrij^ht 1856 

The present acting judges of law and equit^^ in which 
township officers have jurisdiction, are Esquires Rose and 
McConnell. 

Tozunship Trustees. — In the early history of the county 
trustees were scarcely more than mere nominal officers, 
ha\'ing but few duties, subject to yarious changes. The 
following are the names of those acting, with dates of 
election, trom the time their duties were enlarged, and 
their powers so increased that they could leyy a local tax : 

Ephraini Thomas 18^9 O. O. Harvey . . 1869 

Wm. L. Harvey 1863 Wm. M. Wright 1876 

Henry R. Clayton 1865 John C. Eastes 1880 

J. W\ Shelby 1S67 

Remarks. — ^The needy poor of this incorporated por- 
tion of the county look to John C. Eastes for assistance in 
the day of adversity ; the farmer calls on him for pay for 



y KUCK-CREEK TOWNSHI?'. 12^^ 

his sheep killed by the hungry hounds ; and the taithful 
teacher pays him a yisit at the close of the term (if neces- 
sity does not prompt an earlier call) to receiye remunera- 
tion for his seryices. 

F'a III flics. — Buck-creek is the home of the Steels, Park- 
ers. Wrights, Shelbys, Easteses, Dunns, Smiths, Harveys, 
Craigs, Collinses, Grists, and Arnetts ; all prominent, well- 
known families. 

It was once the home of Professor A. C. Shortridge, 
ex-superintendent of the Indianapolis public schools, and 
late president of Purdue Uniyersit}'. 

Upon her fruitful soil once trod the yeritable Lorenzo 
Dow, tlie " Qiiaker Methodist" itinerant preacher, who 
had more than a national reputation for his zeal, industry 
and peculiarities. Here he entered land, a fuller account 
of whom will appear elsewhere. 

Here liyed, in his peculiar style, the eccentric John D. 
Hopkins, and still liyes the industrious Mrs. Sabie Craig, 
perhaps the most extensiye, successful, industrious, prac- 
tical lady farmer in the county. 

Murder and Snicidc. — Here occurred the Kenned\- 
tragedy, in which Thomas Kennedy killed his own daugh- 
ter, the wife of George Hudson, for which he was sen- 
tenced to the penitentiary for life ; but was in the course 
(jf a few years, through the intercession of his attorney, 
T. D. Walpole, pardoned, after which he returned to his 
own neighborhood, where he remained till his death, 
which occurred only a few years since. 

It was in this township that James Norman became 
tired of terrestial scenes, and determined to put an end to 
his earthh' pilgrimage, which he accomplished by hanging 
himself in the south-east part of the township, in about 
the year 1861. 

With this brief outline, we close the general reyiew of 
the township. A more specific account of many of the 
matters mentioned herein will appear in the next chapter. 



124 HISTORY OF HA^■COCK COUNTY. 

CHAPTER IX. 

nUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP Co)lfilll!cd . 

HoTEWELL M. E. Church 

was organized about the year 1836, and was originally 
known as Sycamore Chapel. Among the first members 
were Thomas Craig and wife, Hiram Crump and lady, 
John Cochanhour and helpmeet, Miles Burris and wife, 
Jeremiah Beach and wife, Obadiah Eastes and lady, A. 
Cooper and family, and Mother Burris. 

The tirst ministers were Revs. Edwards, Landy Havens,. 
Morrow, George Havens, J. B. Birt, and Millender, some 
of whom are still living as \-alient soldiers of the cross. 

Meetin(>\s were originally held, before the buildinij of 
the Sycamore church, at the private residences of Daniel 
Skinner, Thomas Craig, and Obadiali Eastes. 

In 1840, the hrst church building was erected, and con- 
tinuously used till 1863, when it was burned. The society 
was without a place to worship till 1870, when it erected 
the present building, a neat frame, at a cost of $1,000, 
and known as Hopewell Chapel. 

This organization has upon its church rolls but few 
members, and is, consequently, not strong, and have 
preaching only semi-occasionally. 

Pleasant Grove M. E. Church 

was organized by Re\'. C. Harvey, in the year 1872. 
Among tlie tirst members were the said Harve}^ and wife, 
Samuel S. Smith and wife, D. D. Boyd and wife, William 
Vest, Jackson Apple and lady, and William Horton and 
family. 

This society had no building in which to meet for the 
lirst two years of its existence. In 1874, it erected a neat, 
handsome church building, at a cost of $1 ,450. Dedicated 
by Dr. Robison. 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 1 25 

The trustees are D. D. Bovd, Hamilton Wellincr, and 
Samuel Smith. 

The first minister in charge was Samuel Lamb, fol- 
lowed by Freeman and John Cain ; they by Freeman and 
R. H. Smith ; the last of whom served till 1875, when the 
Fortville circuit was divided and the Pleasant Grove 
church attached to the McCordsville circuit. Since which 
time the following divines have led the flock: R. B. 
Powell, T. J. Elkin, and G. N. Philipp, the last of whom 
is the present minister. 

Union Chapel. 

The United Brethren perfected an organization in 
Buck-creek township about the year 1856, and held their 
meetings in private residences and log school-houses till 
the year 1858. In January of this year, Washington 
McConnell, Thomas Preble, and Jackson Price were 
elected by the Qiiarterly Conference as trustees to build a 
church, to be called Union Chapel. At this time, D. 
Stoner was presiding Elder and Thomas Evans preacher 
in charge. The circuit was called Pleasant View, and 
belonged to White River Conference. 

The first sermon preached in the building was on 
Christmas evening, 1858. On the following day (Christ- 
mas) the funeral of John Underwood, senior, who donated 
the ground on which the church stood, was preached. 

Meetings have been continuously sustained since its 
-organization, notwithstanding the building was burned in 
1880. 

The circuit has been presided over from time to time 
by the following Elders : 

A. Kin<,r, A. E. Evans, J. Myers. 

A. Ilaiuvay. John Vardeinan. R. B. Beattv, 

Wm. Nichols, Hallcck Floyd, R. B. Beattv, 

W. Wit, W. C. Day, Lewis Crawford. 

D. O. Ferrell, Ilalleck Floyd, J. Pruner, 

Milton Wright, M. Caltrich, \v. C. Day, 

D. Stoner, Thomas Evans, Alexander Carrol. 



126 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

C. Smith. A. B. Darv. William Hall. 

P. S. Cook, Alexander Carrol, Monroe Cironeiulike, 

Thomas Evans. Amos Han way, T. II. Halstead. 

A. E. Evans, D. Stoner, J. M. Ware, 

D. Stoner, Thomas Evans, A. Davis. 
Simon B. Irvin, Henry K. ]Muth. 

The preachers in charge for the time were William 
Gossett, Irvin Cox, A. C. Rice, I. Tharp, and Henr}- 
Hiiflman. I. Tharp preached but one sermon till he was 
thrown from his sulky and had his leg broken, and Henry 
Hullman finished out his term. 

The present Elder is Milton M. Wright, and the minis- 
ter in charge F, M. Demunbren. The charge is attached 
to the Warrington circuit. 

The more marked revivals were during F. Evan's tirst 
year, T. H. Ilalstead's ministr3% and William Gossett's 
supervision, when there was quite an ingathering of souls. 

This society was doubtless established through the 
instrumentality of J. B. Collins, local preacher, since gone 
to his long home, and of precious memory to many. 

[We are indebted for the above facts to James H. Mur- 
phv, an obliging. Christian gentleman.] 

John D. Hopkins, 
an exceedin<^lv eccentric man, came to Hancock count\' 
about the year 1843, and built a pole shanty in the woods 
of Buck-creek, about four by seven feet, covered it with 
dirt, and daubed it inside thoroughly to the exclusion of 
all light and air, save at the small entrance, about fifteen 
ijiches wide and live feet long, which was closed by a sin- 
gle blue board called a door. The furniture consisted of a 
rude stool, on which he sat, made bv his ow^n hands ; a 
primitive writing table, at which he spent much of his time ; 
and a small sheet-iron stove, which he carried on his 
shoulder from Richmond, Indiana, and at the same time, 
under his arm, the fancy door for his contemplated rustic 
home. 

Mr. Hopkins was a single man, and li\ed alone, not so 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHII' 



127 



much from choice, perhaps, as from force of circum- 
stances. Physically, he was large, strong, and vigorous, 
^veighed two hundred pounds and upwards, of Horid com- 
plexion, and had sandy hair, inclined to redness. Men- 
tally, he was truly stii grnrr/s, loved sport, courted 
flattery, inclined to poetry, and imagined himself the 
" preacher, poet, orator and philosopher of the age.'' He 
spent much of his time in writing hymns, poems, and 
political songs, which he would sing on seasonable occa- 
sions. He has been denominated a monomaniac on the 
subject of religion. He termed himself a "good gather- 
ing preacher," and did finally succeed in gathering a half 
dozen or more joiners in the township to his little band, 
which he termed '"The good gathering army." To this 
little "army" he preached for some time, composing his 
own hymns and texts, never adopting anything, know- 
ingl3% from even the best authors. Of him it may truh' be 
said that he was never guilty of plagiarism. His poetr\' 
was not classic nor polished b}' any means, nor was it 
faultless in meter and figure ; but was like much of the 
early spring poetry, mere doggeral. 

He courted a certain prominent young widow of energ^' 
and means and portly appearance, and for a time appar- 
ently received some encouragement, which prompted him 
to compose a number of songs expressive of his feelings 
relative thereto. 

During the political campaigns he was especially an 
object of interest. For ten cents he would make either a 
whig or democratic speech, it was immaterial which. In- 
deed, for a dime he would make a public speech on the 
street on a goods-box, or an}' public place outside of a 
house, on any subject, political, religious, or scientific, or 
sing a campaign song, adapted to either party, or sing a 
" sabie song," which was one of his love eft'usions. After 
singing one of his ballads, he would pass through the au- 
dience and offer them for sale. A single dime would pay 
the bill for the entire lot, which he had been at the trouble 
and expense of having printed. 



128 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

In dress Mr. H. was not less odd than in other respects. 
He seldom wore a hat, coat, or boots, save in the coldest 
weather, and his pants he had usually rolled up to the 
knees. He was exceedingly strong and active, and prefer- 
red jumping a fence to opening a gate. Mr. Samuel 
Harden says that he saw him, a few 3'ears since, in Ander- 
son, and invited him home with him for dinner, which he 
accepted, ate heartily, took his departure, and leaped over 
the fence rather than open the gdte, though it was con- 
venient and in good working order. 

The last seen of Mr. H., in Greenhed, was about three 
years since. Of his present whereabouts we are not relia- 
bly informed. We heard that he was located in Missouri, 
on a <jood farm of his own, doino- well, which, if true, he 
will probably remain there for some time. 

The chorus to one of his songs used to run thus : 

"John D. Hopkins always remains the loiifi^est 
Where the pot boils the strongest." 



' Joshua Shelby 

is a native of Union covmt}-, Indiana, and dates his earthh- 
career to June i6, 1815. He is the oldest son of Joshua 
Shelby, sen., who came to Sugar Creek township in 1835, 
and died there in 1839. 

The subject of this sketch was married to Nanc}" Dunn, 
sister of Wm. A. Dunn, in 1839, ^^'^''O was also an early 
settler. He served in the capacitv of trustee and justice 
of the peace in his township for six years — two in the former 
and four in the latter. He waj elected count}' sheriff in 
1852, over G. W. Sample, a popular candidate, and after 
serving thirteen months, he resigned tor the more congenial, 
healthful pursuit of agriculture. He is a fearless, staunch 
democrat ; but as a whigf was elected to the above office. 

Mr. Shelbv and his amiable companion were pioneers 
in the wild woods of earlv Buck Creek, and, as such, en- 
dured many ]:>rivations and hardships incident to pioneer 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. I 29 

life. The following are the names of their children : 
Catharine F., Samuel N., Sarah J., Lvdia, Elvira and 
John F., six in all. 

Mr. Shelb}' is not a member of any church, for reasons 
best known to himself. Though rough in speech and ex- 
terior, he is social, kind-hearted and well disposed. 

George W. Parker, Esq^. 
was born November 13, 1842. He was married to Marv 
C. Coleman (whose parents came from South Carolina), 
January 7, 1866. Mr. P. was elected to the office of jus- 
tice of the peace in 1872, and held the position for eight 
years, with general sjrtisfaction to his fellow citizens. Mr. 
P. is also a teacher of some considerable experience in the 
schools of his township, and prides himself on being an 
unflinching democrat. Mr. P. is especiallv possessed of 
the distinguishing characteristics of the famih' industrv 
and econom}-, and has, thereby, succeded in accumula- 
ting considerable means for a young man, owning a fine 
farm under a good state of cultivation. The following 
are his children's names: Clinton, Dora A., Mar}' J., 
and William ; four in all . 

Shadrach H. Ar.nett 
was born September 3, 1819, in Franklin county, Indiana. 
He came to this county with his father, William Arnett, in 
1831, and settled in Buck-creek township, where he lived, 
bearing a good name, till his death, which occurred 
February 13, 1879. ^^^^ ^''^^^ remains peacefull}' rest 
beneath a statelv monument erected bv loviniT hands. 
The deceased was an active, influential member of the 
Masonic order, in which he took the greatest deliirht. 
Early in life he was a member of the Baptist Church ; but 
at the time of his death was not associated with any relig- 
ious order. Mr. A. filled credita-bly the office of trustee 
for several years; and, also, that of "enrolling officer" 
during the late civil war. Bv industrv, good habits, and 



BUCK-CKEKK TOWNSniP. I3I 

economy, he succeeded in acquiring a large estate. In 
appearance Mr. A. was large, portly and athletic, weighing 
two hundred pounds, and of fair complexion. Unto his 
kind oversight were committed the following children: 
Sarah A., ]Mar\-, Isabelle, Elizabeth, Lucinda, and Wil- 
liam H. His widow, still living, resides on the old home- 
stead. 

Joseph Wright, 

a distant relative of Ex-Governor Joseph Wright, is a 
native of the "Keystone State,"' beginning his earthly 
career in 1810, December 27. He came in early youth 
with his parents to Butler county, Ohio, where he remained 
a few years ; thence to Wayne county, Indiana, where he 
remained till the year 1832, when he was married to Eliza- 
beth Stephens, of that county, and afterwards removed to 
Buck-creek township, Hancock county, Indiana, where he 
has since resided. Mr. Wright is the father of Auditor 
Henry, and Deputy Auditor William M. Wright. He 
served in the capacity of justice of the peace in his town- 
ship tor twenty rears. When Mr. W. first came to the 
townsliip it was one vast wilderness, inhabited by wild 
animals ; but b_v determined hands and a strong will he 
has succeeded in making a commendable transformation. 
x\mid all these changes and vicissitudes of life Mr. W. 
has been encouraged and strengthened by the companion 
of his bosom, a noble woman. God bless her I Mr. W. 
is an uncompromising democrat, yet accords to others 
what he claims for himselt", the rio'ht to vote his sentiments. 
He is a member of the Masonic fraternit}', and no good 
brother ever knocks at his door without receiving admit- 
tance. Unto him were born the following children : John 
W., Marv, Henr\-, Isom S., Celia, and William M. ; all of 
whom are still living, save John W. and Celia. 

Barzii.la G. Jay 
\>jfis a native of North Carolina, born in 1794, where he 
lived till 1837. ^^ 1822 he was united in the holy bonds 



132 HISTORY OF HANXOCK COUNTY. » 

of wedlock to Miss Jane McCullough, of the same state. 
In company with his companion he emigrated to Hancock 
county, Indiana, and settled in Buck-creek township, in 
1837. Mr. J. was from birth and education a democrat 
unwavering ; and, as such, was elected to the office of 
county auditor in 1855, which position he held creditably 
and satisfactorily for four years. Mr. Jay also served as 
justice of the peace for some years, with credit to his judg- 
ment and good sense. He was a man of firm character, 
"honest and conscientious, and was an influential member 
of the Masonic order, by which he was buried June 17, 
i860, at the Hodge cemeter3% in Buck-creek township, 
where, by his side, the companion of his life was laid in 
February, 1876. His children were Eliza A., Mar^- J., 
Margaret C, John H., Martha A., James W., Susan F., 
and Amanda A. 

Macedonia Church 
•of United Brethren was organized, about the year i860, on 
the land of William Shaffer, but was afterwards moved 
farther south, on the opposite side of the road, where it 
now stands. The society v/as organized by Thomas 
Evans, followed by Rev. Hanway. 

The following were among its flrst members : John 
and Isabelle Parker, Isaac Wilson, Thomas Price, James 
Wilson and wife, William and Margaret Wilson, Lewis 
Barnard, Mary Barnard, James Wallace, Sarah A. Wal- 
lace, and Cynthia Barnard. 

The following are the present trustees : John Parker, 
James Wilson, and Thomas Price. 

The society is not very strong in numbers, and have 
-services onl}- once a month. The house is a log, and 
Mdiolly insutticient for the demands of the audience and the 
times, and the society contemplate building, at an early 
<late, a new house near the residence of G. W. Parker. 

Lorenzo Dow. 

LasL, but not least, of the prominent men and remark- 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP 



'33- 



able characters of this historic township is that of the Rev. 
Lorenzo Dow. Not until recently, when the dusty records- 
and the earliest inhabitants were being consulted for mate- 
rial out of whicli to make this history, and some of the 
discoveries were made public through the paper, was it. 
known but by a few that this truly pious, eccentric, and 
remarkable man ever set foot on Hancock's fertile soil, or 
owned land within her borders ; but such is the the case. 
A. T. Hart and, possibly, others testify to having heard 
him preach in Greenfield. R. A. Smith says his father 
heard him in Rush county. Dow, in his journal before us, 
which we have twice read, speaks of passing through the 
" New Purchase,"* and of being next at Louisville, Ky, 

The " entry book " in the recorder's office shows that 
Lorenzo Dow, in 1826, May 8, entered the north-west 
quarter of section thirty-five, in township sixteen north, in 
range five east, containing one hundred and sixt}- acres. 
^ This was then, of course, a part of Madison countv. The 
land is now located in the south-west part of Buck-creek 
township, section thirty-five, of which it forms a part, 
being the corner section. The land is now owned b}^ 
Spencer Huntington, and lies on the Marion countv line. 
Dow died in Georgetown, D. C, February 2, 1834, '^"<^^ 
his second wife, Lucv Dow, on the 13th day of Decem- 
ber, 1838, deeded the same land to Hector H. Hall, and 
in the deed says: "It is the same land owned bv my 
deceased husband, the Rev. Lorenzo Dow, situated in, 
Hancock county." 

It is authoritatively reported that Dow lived on his new 
entr^' for a short time ; and a place is pointed out in a cer- 
tain bank, about ten or twelve feet high, on the farm where 
Dow dug a cave and spent a portion of one season. 

Auditor Wright says he has authority for sa\'ing that a- 
number of children in the vicinity were named Lorenzo 
D. in honor and memory of him, occasioned by said 
residence. 



*This section of country was at that date termed the " New Purchase. 



134 IIISTOIiV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

History is full of apparent contradictions, which are 
often difficult to explain owini^ to our lack of suMicient 
information. I well remember a <xlarin<>- contradiction in 
U. S. Mist(iry which claimed my attention while pin^siuno- 
tlie study. One author stated that there were one hun- 
dred of the Puritan Fathers on the May Flower, and 
another asserting that she bore up a precious cargo of one 
hundred and one souls. Why this discrepancy? I queried, 
there being no note of a death ; and I determined to look 
it up. A number of authors were examined before I dis- 
covered the explanation which harmonized the statements 
of the apparently conflicting authors. The number w'as 
one hundred on starting, but on the wa^' was increased to 
•one hundred and one ; and I have since had the pleasure 
of seeing the cradle in which that extra pilgrim w^as rocked 
on the briny deep. I iirst read Dow's journal in the back- 
woods of Arkansas about thirteen years ago, and then 
obser\'ed a little laughable contradiction, which I am still 
unable to satisfactorily explain. Lorenzo Dow, on page 
212 of his "Journal," says he and Pegg\' were married on 
September 3, 1804. Peggy Dow, in her "Journey of 
Life,'" 1 2th edition, page 610, sa3'S that she and Lorenzo 
were married late in the evening on September 4, 1804. 
The query is how that could be. Future generations in 
Hancock count}' may be equally puzzled over the real cost 
of our present jail and sheriff's residence. The records 
sliow that it was contracted to be built for ^32,900. IVr 
say that it cost $75,000 ; but it has otherwise gone down in 
history as costing over $100,000. Why this discrepancy? 
Possibly owing to adding interest to the original cost in 
one case and not doing so in the other. 

After fully examining and weighing all the evidence, 
parol and written, w^e are of the opinion that the yeritable 
Lorenzo Dow twice preached in Greenfield, and entered 
land in Hancock county, which, after his death, there 
beinir no other leijal heirs, his wife deeded to said Hector 
H. Hall. 

Lorenzo Dow was in many respects a most remarkable 



buck-ci<ep:k towxshii*. 135 

man. Though physically slender and frail, his indomita- 
ble will and wonderful zeal spurred him on to the accom- 
plishment of more work than is seldom ever allotted to 
one man to perform. ThouL^h he was a public preacher 
less than forty years, it is probable that more persons 
heard the gospel from his lips than from any other divine 
since the days of Whitfield. He traveled extensi\ely in 
England and Ireland, and repeatedly visited almost every 
portion of the United States. He wrote a number of books 
and lectures, and particularly a history of his own life, so 
singularly eventful and lull of vicissitudes. He would 
have a thousand appointments out at one time. On a cer- 
tain occasion he w^as speaking from a pine stump, I think, 
in North Carolina, when he announced that in one ^•ear 
from that day, at that hour, he would (God permitting) 
preach from the stump on which he was standing. Time 
rolled on, and when the appointed hour arrived, notwith- 
standing a thousand appointments were to be hlled in the 
meantime in accordance with promise, he was standing on 
the identical pine stump preaching to a large audience. 

Dow was a Methodist in principle, and though not a 
member, was held in high esteem by many who knew him 
best and acknowledged his loyalty to truth and honest}' of 
purpose. He was exceedingly conscientious, and though 
very poor and often wanting for the necessaries of life he 
repeatedly refused handsome sums of money tendered 
him b}' his admiring hearers and children in the gospel for 
fear of its being a stumbling block in his way, and thereb}- 
retarding the progress of the gospel. He was ver^^ eccen- 
tric in dress, manners, and style of preaching, which 
attracted much attention, while his shrewdness and quick 
discernment of character gave him a wonderful influence 
over the masses that daily assembled to hear him. Some 
supposed him possessed of supernatural powers, even to 
the discernment of thought and the " raising of the devil.'" 
It is recorded of him that at one time, when he was travel- 
ing in the south, he asked permission to remain over night. 
The woman of the house informed him that, as her hus- 



136 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

band was not at home, she could not accommodate him. 
As was unusual with him, he insisted, as there were no 
houses near, the countr}- being sparsely settled. But she 
positively refused till he told her that he was a preacher, 
and would sleep in the stable, if he could do no better. 
This infornuition, together with his long hair and odd 
dress, suggested to her who he was, and she inquired if he 
were not Lorenzo Dow. Being answered in the affirma- 
tive, she waived her objections and decided that he might 
stav ; probably more out of fear that evil might befall her 
than through any real desire to have him in the house. 
Mr, Dow put up with her for the night, and at the usual 
hour retired in a back room, where he had not long been 
till he heard a man arrive, whom he soon discovered was 
not the woman's husband. A series of jokes passed 
between the two, which continued with a good deal of 
pleasantry till about midnight, when a rap at the door 
announced the arrival of the husband. Surprise, alarm, 
and consternation followed. There was but one door to 
the rude house, and at it stood the husband seeking admit- 
tance. To be caught there at that unseasonable hour of 
the night, without a valid excuse, -would possibly create 
suspicion, and at least secure him a sound threshing. To 
escape seemed impossible. Just at this critical juncture, 
when the boasted ingenuity of man failed, the quick per- 
ception of woman, as in most cases of emergency, found 
an expedient. Near the foot of the bed stood a large gum 
half full of raw cotton, in which she hurriedly biu'ied the 
visitor ; then, as composedly' and calm as a June morning, 
turned around and admitted her husband. But his lord- 
ship had been to the grog-shop, and, in his own conceit, 
was wise and wiry. " Hush, hush,'' said the wife, as the 
husband blundered in and roared out: "Thunder and 
potatoes, Mag, and why didn't you open the door?" 
" Hush, my dear, hush I Lorenzo Dow is in the house." 
" Oh, blood and tobacco I and is it Lorenzo Dow, the man* 
who raises the devil? " " Sure it is ; and why don't you 
be still?" "Oh, by Saint Patrick, he shall come forth^ 



BUCK-CREEK TOWXSHIl' 



.U 



and you shall see the devil before you sleep I " So, blun- 
dering into the bed-room, Mr. Dow was compelled to 
come forth ; and nothing would satisfy the husband but 
that Lorenzo must raise the devil. Mr. Dow protested, 
and urged his inability to perform such wonders ; but no 
excuse would satisfy the determined, uncompromising hus- 
band. He had heard that Dow could raise the devil, and 
now, that he had him in his house, nothing would satisfy 
him but that he must do it. Finalh', Mr. Dow consented 
on the condition that his lordship "stand at the door and 
deal him a few good thumps as he sluill pass forth, but not 
so hard as to break his bones." This his lordship agreed 
to do, and stationed himself accordingly. All things now 
read}', Lorenzo, taking the candle in his hand and walking 
up and down in the room, touching it quickly to tiie dry 
cotton, said : ^ Come forth old boy I " when out jumped 
the hidden sinner all in a blaze, and breaking for the door, 
a l'i\ing mass of fire, made good his exit ; but not without 
a sound blow over the shoulder from the husband's cudgel. 
The job was now complete. Lorenzo had raised the 
devil, and the husband thought it a supernatural perform- 
ance b}' the eccentric Yankee preacher. 

As a further illustration of his influence over the people 
and their firm taith in his supernatural powers, we will give, 
in brief, the story of the ''Cock and the Dinner Pot." 
One night after Mr. Dow had retired to bed after a hard 
day's travel in Virginia, a crowd assembled in the bar- 
room of the inn to enjoy their revelries, as was the custom 
in those times in that part of the country. Toward the 
"wee small hours'' of the morning it was announced that 
one of the compan}- had lost his pocket-book, and a search 
was immediately proposed. Whereupon the landlord 
remarked that Lorenzo Dow was in the house, and that if 
the money was there he knew he could find it. Accord- 
ingly Lorenzo was rudely called forth from his warm bed 
to try his powers in finding the lost treasure. He first 
inquired if any of the party had left since the money was 
lost ; and being informed in the negative, then said Lorenzo 

lO 



138 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUN'JV. 

to the landlord: "Go and bring me your large dinner 
pot."" This created no little surprise ; but as supernatvn'al 
powers were uni\ersalh' conceded, his directions were 
unhesitatingly obe3'ed, and the pot was brought and set in 
the middle of the room. " Now,"' said Lorenzo, " go and 
bring the old chicken-cock from the roost." This was 
accordingl}- done, and the pot was turned over the cock. 
"Now," said Lorenzo, "let the doors be locked and the 
lights e.vtinquished."" Which being done, he said : " E\-ery 
person in the room must now rub his hands hard against 
the pot, and when the guiltv hand touches the cock will 
crow." Accordingly all came forward and rubbed, or 
pretended to rub, the pot; but no cock crew. " Let the 
candles now be lighted," said Lorenzo; "there is no 
guilty person here." " If the man e\'er had an\' money 
he must have lost it some place else. *" But stop," said 
Lorenzo, when all things were prepared, "let us now 
examine the hands.'' This was the essential part of the 
arrangement. An examination was instituted, when it 
was discovered that one man had not rubbed against the 
pot. The others' hands were all black with the soot of the 
pot, as proof of their innocence. "There," said Lorenzo, 
pointing to the man with- c/ccifi kaiids, "there is the man 
who picked your pockets I " The guilty one seeing his 
detection, at once acknowledged his crime, and gave up 
the money. 

Numerous other interesting circumstances are related 
tending to show the ingenuity of the man and his insight 
into human nature, but we will not take time to rehearse 
them. Much of the odditv and eccentricity of Dow was 
the result of necessity, especiallv that part belonging to 
his dress : much of it was natural and in accordance with 
constitutional make, and a part was, doubtless, designed, 
and aided in the accomplishment of his great object in life. 
He lived to be fift3^-seven years old, thirty-nine of which 
he spent in the public ministry. 

Hancock county may well be proud in claiming him 
as one of her citizens, and the reader may reasonably 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP 



139 



excuse the writer for occup^-ing a little extra space in 
iL;"i\ing" this biographical sketch. 

Since the above was written, we have received an 
interesting letter trom Judge Hector M. Ilall, of Indian- 
apolis, formerlv of this county, in answer to a letter of 
inquir\' in reference to A'arious disputed points pertaining 
to Dow, which Ave insert in full. 

''Indianapolis, November 23, iSSi. 
'■Messrs. King cS: Binford — 

" Geiitlc))ie)i : I received your letter of inquirv in reference 
to Lorenzo Dow, and in reply I send you a copy of his will, 
taken from the records of New London countv, Connecticut. 

'• I bought one hundred and sixty acres of land from Lucv 
Dow, second wife of Lorenzo Dow. Peggy Dow was his first 
wife. Dow never lived on the land, but had twenty acres 
deadened. I had the twenty acres grubbed after I bought it, 
the first work done by me. Dow built no mill that I ever heard 
of. In the same section a man by the name of Lawson lived 
one winter, and slept in one half of a hollow log. Lawson 
afterwards traded the land for a saw-mill on Sugar Creek, near 
Philadelphia, subsequently called Black's Mill, I believe. Manv 
of these books of which you speak (L. Dow's works) I under- 
stood were in the possession of John Givens, of Indianapolis, 
now deceased. Givens paid the taxes on the land before I 
bought the same ot Lucy Dow. 

" *L. Dow' was marked on the beech trees near the foiu* 
corners of the land. I think it was the onlv land owned b\' 
him in the west at the time of his death. The trees have all 
since died or been cut down. 

'• I sold the farm to Spencer Huntington about eight vears 
since. Yours truly, H. H. Hall." 

We give below, as a matter of literar}-, legal and his- 
toric interest, a copy of the will above referred to, taken 
•direct from the records in Connecticut more than tbrty 
years ago. The will bears art indorsement, showing that 
it was " presented for record 19th March, 1834." 

WILL. 

'■ I, Lorenzo Dow, of Montville, in the county of New 



140 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

London, and State of Connecticut, considering the uncertainty 
of life, do make and ordain this as my hist "will and testament. 
"I direct, in the first place, that all mv just debts and per- 
sonal charges be duly paid and discharged, and all the residuc^ 
of my estate, both real and personal of every nature and kind, 
1 gi\e and bequeath unto my beloved wife, Lucv Dow. to be 
at her disposal as she may think fit, including my patent family 
meiiicine; and I do herebv constitute and appoint mv said wife, 
Lucy Dow, sole executrix to this mv last will, herebv revoking 
all former wills by me made, and ratifying this, and this only, 
as and for my last will and testament. 

''In witness \vhereof, I have hereunto set m\ haiul and 
seal this 5th day of April, A. D. 1S35. 

■'■ Signed, sealed, pulilished, and performed by the testator 
as and for his last will and testament. 

"LoRKNzo Dow. \Sca/.\ 
"In presence of us, the subscribers: 
"Ralph HuKLBUT, 
"Mariaxn Dolbeare, 
" Eeiza Miller. 

"New London County, ss.: 

"Montyille, March 14, 1S34. 
"Personally a])peared ]Mariann ]\Iinard, late Mariann Dol- 
beare, and being duly sworn, did depose and say that she saw 
Lorenzo Dow, the testator, sign the above written will; that 
she, as a witness, sul^scribed her name thereto in his presence 
and in the presence of Ralph Ilurlbut and Eliza Miller, the 
other witnesses, and that in her o2:)inion the said testator was, 
at the time of making said will, of a soimd disposing mind and 
memory, and that we saw him declare the same to be his last 
will and testament. 

" Sworn before me: Ralph Hulbut, 

" Justice of the Peace. 
"Recorded fnjm the original b}' 

"J. Is HAM, Clerk y 



I 



CHAPTER X. 

CENTER TOWNSHIP. 



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Scale: Two miles to the inch. 

MAP OV CENTER TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING TIIF, SECTIONS, TOWNSHIP AND RANGES OK WHICH IT IS CO.MPOSED. 



142 



lII<TORV OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



This township cIcriNed its name from the central loca- 
tion which it occupied. Being partially bounded by all the 
townships save Brown, it was very appropriateh' named 
Center. The original Center township was named -and 
organized in the year 183 1, just three years alter the 
organization of the county. 

At the date of organization Center was composed of 
eighteen sections, being in extent six miles east and west 
and three miles north and south, and was, therefore, the 
smallest township in the county.*' In the year 1835 Cen- 
ter township was increased from eighteen to twenty-four 
sections, bv taking one tier of sections from the north ot~ 
Brandywine and adding to the south of Center. This size 
it retained for eighteen years, or till the year 1853, at 
which time Harrison township and a part of Union and 
Worth were added to it, bringing it up to its present size 
of fifty-foiu" sections, and making it by far the h\rgest 
township in the county. From 1853 to the present there 
has been no change in the geographical outline of the 
township. 

In extent it is eight miles north and south and seven 
miles east and west, and w^ould, therefore, contain fifty-six 
sections w^ere it a perfect rectangle ; but the two sections 
wanting in the south-east corner to nuike it such belong to 
Blue-river. It is bounded on the north by Vernon and 
Green townships, on the east b}* Jackson and Blue-river, 
on the south by Brandywine and Blue-river, and on the 
w'est by Sugar-creek and Buck-creek. IL is located in 
townships fifteen and sixteen north and in ranges six and 
seven east. Township line sixteen passes through the 
court-house, and township line seventeen forms the northen 
boundar}'. All that portion south of the court-house is in 
township fifteen north, and the remainder of the township • 
in sixteen north. Two tiers of sections on the western 
portion of the towaiship are in range six east, and the 
remainder in seven east. Range line seven, wdiich thus 



*See map on p. 89 for size of Center from 1S31 to 1S35. 



CENTER TOWNSIIII'. I43 

divides the township, is located at the second cross roads 
west of Greenlield, and divides the M. T. Willett farm, 
and is found in the center of the first road west of the S. 
T. Dickerson farm. ' 

Surface^ Soil^ Drainage^ and Productions. — The sur- 
tace is generally level, and especially in the central north- 
ern and central eastern portions and se\'eral sections north- 
west of Greenlield. Along the streams in places it is 
slightly hill}', and for a short distance back undulating. 

This township once contained considerable third rate 
land as well as first and second ; but since being cleared, 
ditched and cut up with good roads there is reported but 
little third rate land. 

For the last few years much attention has been given 
to tile ditching, and under the recent ditch laws a number 
of public ditches have been put through the flat, swampy 
portions, whereby hundreds of acres have been reclaimed. 

The chief productions are corn, wheat, oats, flax, hogs, 
horses, cattle, Irish potatoes, and the products of the forest 
and factory. In 1880 she produced 113,004 bushels of 
wheat, 163,625 bushels of corn, and 10,740 bushels of 
oats ; being on an averave per acre equal with the best in 
wheat and corn, and excelled in oats only by Sugar-creek 
and Blue-river. For the same vear she reported 1,669 
tons of hay, 1,140 bushels of Irish potatoes, and 7,000 
pounds of tobacco. Center produces more tobacco than 
all the rest of the county. 

Streams, JTaiiics and Location. — Sugar Creek enters the 
township on the north line, about one and three-fourth 
miles east of the north-west corner, and flows south by 
south-west, passing out through section twenty-six, about 
three and a fourth miles north of the south-west corner. 

Brandywine enters the township on the east line, one 
and one-half miles south of the north-east corner, flows 
south-west a half mile ; then north-west one and one-half 
miles ; thence south-west to the south-west corner of sec- 
tion sixteen ; thence south, running east of Greenfield, and 
passing out of the township on the John Ilinchman farm. 



144 HISTORY OF HANXOCK COUNTY, 

Little Brandywine rises near the center of section four- 
teen, in the central eastern portion of the township, and 
Hows south-west and empties into Big Brand3'\vine a half 
mile west of the bridge spanning it north-west and near 
IIinchman\s old residence. 

Little Sugar Creek rises in the south-west part of the 
township and flows south, passing out about a mile east of 
the south-west corner. 

Swamp Creek, which is simply a slough, enters the 
township on the east half of the north line of section four 
and flows nearly due south two and one-half miles, and is. 
for the time, lost in Brandywine. 

First E)itry aiid Early Settlers. — The tirst entries of 
land in Center township were in the south-east part, in sec- 
tions tour and nine, by Piatt Montgomery, Robert Burton. 
Isaac Roberts, and David Vangilder. The flrst entry was 
made September 12, 182 1, by Piatt Montgomery, being 
the east half of the south-east quarter of section nine, in 
township fifteen north, in range seven east, and is now 
owned by Levi Elsberry's heirs and Abram Hackleman. 
The second entry was the eighty-acre tract on which 
Wesley Addison lives, entered by Robert Burton May 10. 
1822. The third entry, by Isaac Roberts, on July 12, 
1822, forms a part of the Marion Steele farm. The tburth 
was by David Vangilder, the west half of the north-west 
quarter of section nine aforesaid. ' 

The first settlements in this township b}' the whites were 
made about the year 1819, from one to two miles south-east 
of where Greenfield now stands. Among the first settlers 
were Piatt Montgomery, Corda Glandon, Samuel B. Jack- 
son ; Moses, David, and Abraham Vangilder ; Jeremiah 
Meek and his two sons, Cornwell and Josluui ; John and 
William Carr, Benjamin Spillman, Elisha Chapman, Jared 
Chapman, Joseph and Henry Chapman ; Morris, Harry 
and Ovid Pierson ; John and William Justice, Lydia Jones, 
James Hamilton, and John Wingfield. Samuel B. Jack- 
son was the first tavern-keeper, holding fortli in a log 
house said to be the same house now standing s(»uth of the 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 



H5 



flax factory. He left the country under a cloud of suspi- 
cion, being accused of killing one of his guests, who was 
traveling through the state on the National road, supposed 
to have considerable money, and was never seen nor heard 
of after stopping with Jackson. Jeremiah Meek is said to 
have been the first settler in Greenfield. Cornwell Meek 
was a stock trader and dry goods merchant. Joshua Meek 
was recorder for twenty 3'ears. Joseph Chapman was a 
prominent public man, a fuller account of whom appears 
elsewhere. James Hamilton was a prosperous merchant, 
the father of Moses W. Hamilton. John Wingfield and 
Benjamin Spillman were two of the donors of the original 
plat of Greenfield. 

First Preacher, Birth, Death, etc. — The first preacher 
in the township was Moses Vangilder, a Methodist 
exhorter. The first physician, Jared Chapman. Jared C. 
Meek was the first child born in Greenfield. The first death 
in Greenfield was a daughter of Benjamin Spillman. The 
first blacksmith was William Rice. The first church was 
the M. E. The first grocery store was kept by John 
Justice, and the first general store was kept by W. O. Ross. 

Mills a)id Factories. — The first mill in the township was 
built in 1825, by William Pierson, on Sugar Creek, five 
miles north-west of Greenfield. It ground corn and wheat, 
and had a bolt to run by water. This mill burned down 
in 1846. 

The next mill in the territory under consideration was 
built by William Curry, six miles north by north-east of 
Greenfield, in the year 1835, '^n<^^ "^^'^s used to grind corn 
and wheat, and had a bolt worked by hand. 

Isaac Willett built a mill on Suj^ar Creek, near Cedar 
Grove church, four miles north-west of Greenfield, in 1838. 
This was a grist-mill with a bolt to run bv water. It con- 
tinued in operation till after 1850. 

The first steam saw-mill in the township was built in 
the year 1848 by Captain J. R. Bracken and John Tem- 
plin, and located in the eastern part of Greenfield, a few 
rods south-west of the Hancock Flourinir Mills. The first 



146 HISTORY OF HANCOCK. COUNTY. 

engineer was Major A. K. Branham. In 1852, tlie weather- 
boarding and roof were burned off'. Tlie frame was saved. 
This mill cut a quantity of the lumber for the plank road 
in 1852. It was a sash saw-mill, 

Benjamin Cox erected, in the southern part of Green- 
field, about i860, a steam saw-mill, which is still in opera- 
tion ; but recently removed to the south-west part of the 
city. 

About 1862, a circular saw-mill was erected south-east 
of the old depot, which was run a few years and then 
moved awa}'. About the same date was erected a steam 
circular saw-mill about three miles east of Greenfield, on 
the railroad, which did an extensive business for a number 
of years. 

In 1869 ^- ^^- Curtis & Bro. erected a steam saw-mill 
two and one-half miles from Greenfield, on the Lysander 
Sparks farm, which was run about three vears, when it 
was moved three and one-half miles north of Greenfield, 
on the west side of the Greenfield and Pendleton pike. 
Here it was burned down and rebuilt in 1878, where it is 
still in operation. 

Aaron Little, a few years since, built a circular saw- 
mill six miles north-west of Greenfield, which has recently 
been moved to Buck-creek. 

The first tanyard in the township was erected by Henr}- 
Chapman, in the bottom north of the stone culvert on the 
National road, in the east part of town, in the early his- 
tory of the countN'. It did an extensive business for the 
time. Chapman t^old to Samuel Henry, who soon formed 
a partnership with Nathan Crawford, who, after running 
it successfully for a time, sold to A. T. Hart. Hart con- 
veyed to Randall & Milton. Randall sold to Milton, in 
whose hands it went down. II. B. Wilson, P. M., run a 
tanner\- in Grecnlield from 1865 to 1873. 

In 1855 there was erected in Greenfield, in the south- 
west part, a steam flouring mill by Nathan Crawford, 
Samuel Longinaker and Freeman H. Crawford, which 
continued in successful operation till about i860, when it 



CENTER TOWNsnif. I47 

was burned down. After a lapse of a few years it was 
rebuilt by a Mr. Chaney. It soon passed into the hands of 
Hiram Woods, during whose ownership it was burned in 
July, 1869, and soon rebuilt. It is now owned and run by 
Alexander, New & Boots, and has recently been rehtted 
and supplied with the modern improvements and adapted 
to the manufacture of the " new process.'' 

In 1872 Joseph Boots, J. B. Fouch, and Samuel E. 
Gapen erected a steam flouring mill, now known as the 
"Hancock Mills," owned and run at present by Nelson 
Bradley and W. G. Scott under the firm name of Scott 
& Co. Gapen sold his interest to the other two partners. 
Boots and Fouch. After a time Fouch sold to Smith and 
Hogle, and they to Nelson Bradley in 1874. Boots con- 
veyed his interest to W. G. Scott in 1878. 

The steam planing-mill and furniture factory of Wil- 
liams Brothers & Hamilton, located in the south part of 
the city of Greenfield, was erected in 1S70, by H. J. and 
A. P. Williams, and run for a time, when Moses W. Ham- 
ilton bouglit an interest, and the new firm ccmtinues the 
same to this date. 

In 1876, the desk factor}' and planing-mill of G. W. 
Puterbaugh was erected by A. E. Teal and George W. 
Puterbaugh, in the south-west part of the city, and run 
for three years under the firm name of Teal & Puterbaugh, 
when Teal conveyed to Puterbaugh, the present proprietor. 

F. M. Gilchrist, in 1876, built, in the south-east part of 
the city, a desk factory and phming-mill, which he oper- 
ated till 1879, when he conve3-ed to J. E. Brown, the pres- 
ent proprietor. During the present simimer Brown was 
burned out : but has recently rebuilt, with an addition of a 
saw-mill. 

In 1875 Cammack & Sons starred a fiax factory in a 
two-story brick building in the eastern part of the cit}-, 
erected through the enterprise of William S. Wood, and 
owned and controlled bv the Hancock Manufacturing): As- 
sociation. This factory, like nearly all others ever started 
in the countv, met with the niisfortime of beinir burned ; 



148 HISTORY OK HANCOCK COL'NTV. 

but was soon rebuilt, but not to its former heii^ht. It is 
now owned and controlled b\' Henry L. Moore & Son. 

Gordon & Son, about 1877, built a steam saw-mill in the 
south-west part of Greenfield, which is still in operation. 

In 1876 George Nevvhall erected a steam saw and 
planing mill south of the railroad, in the west part of town. 
It run two or three years, when it met with the common 
fate of such mills, and was never rebuilt. 

Charles Cammack established a headin*; factory in 

1880, run by steam-power furnished by Puterbaugh's 
engine, which did an extensive business till the summer of 

1881, when it was stealthil}' removed between two days by 
parties from Anderson claiming ownership thereto. Prall 
& Puterbaugh, in the summer of 1881, attached a second 
heading machine, which is doing a lively business. 

In 1868 a woolen factorv was built by Morris Pierson, 
and located south of the railroad, opposite the old depot, 
and was successfully operated for a time by Craig & Min- 
ick, and then by Scofield, when it met the common fate and 
succumbed to the flames ; and, unfortunately for the farmers 
and wool-growers of the county, was never rebuilt. 

Roads. — Center township, in her early histor\', had no 
roads, but what were used as such were mere paths. The 
first road in the county was the old State road ; the next 
was the National road, which was laid out prior to the 
location of the town of Greenfield. But the first good 
road, as an improvement over the dirt and corduroy, was 
the National plank road, built by a company in 1852. 
Prior to the " late unpleasantness " there was not a single 
gravel road in the township ; but since that time Greenfield 
has been made the focal point from which radiate finished 
gravel pikes to all the cardinal, and e\'en sub-cardinal, 
points of the compass. She has at this date twentv and 
one-half miles of t-)ll pike and fourteen miles of non-toll- 
able, ten and one-half miles of which were once corpora- 
tion roads, but have recently surrendered their charters. 
For a few years after the war a wonderful stride was taken 
in the improvement of roads. Under the recent free pike 



CENTER TOWNSHIl' 



[49 



law two gravel pikes are now being built in the township, 
viz. : the Fortville pike and the Frost pike. 

Railroads. — Center township has two railroads crossing 
her territory. The P., C. and St. L. has a line seven 
miles within and along her borders, valued at $51,310, 
and pays a tax of ^^677. 66 in the township and $180.91 in 
Greenfield. The I., B. and W. has a line of seven and 
one-half miles, not yet taxed, now completed. Each road 
has a station in the township. GreenHeld is on the former, 
and the Junction on the latter. 

Educational. — Close on the heels of the iirst settlers of 
the territory were the industrious, stern pedagogues charac- 
teristic of the times. Though our forefathers often suffered 
for the essentials of life, and had few of the luxm-ies, never- 
theless the}' fain would have at least some of the rudiments 
of an English education. Perhaps the first school taught 
in the township was in a diminutive pole cabin, which stood 
on a knoll south of the railroad, between the two cemeter- 
ies. The second stood on the spot now occupied b}' the 
Vanwie house, owned by Thomas Carr : the third on or 
near the Rardin ^■acant lots, and north of Tindall's li\-erv 
stable. The first frame school-house in the town was built 
contemporarv with the plank road in 1852. It was finallv 
sold to the Catholic church, and now, enlarged and 
repaired, and located on the old grounds, it forms their 
place of worship. From this time on small frames began 
to take the place of the rude, floorless " make shifts" here- 
tofore occupied for school purposes. The writer once 
heard the late Milton B. Hopkins speak of receiving his 
first lessons in the English rudiments in one of those primi- 
tive floorless school-houses in this township during an 
exceedingh' cold winter. 

x\mong the first "masters" and '"school-marms" of 
the town were Mrs. L. vS. Church, Caroline Depu, ]\rr. 
Co}', ]Mr. McCoy and a Mr. Fisher. The first teacher in 
the north part of the township (then Harrison township) 
was Joseph Anderson, who held forth in an old deserted 
residence on William Martin's farm. His terms were rather 



150 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COIXTV. 

high t'or the times, being $1.50 per term or quarter, owing 
to his boarding himself, being a married man. His pay he 
took in money, trade and promises, and on the hitter lie 
failed to realize encouragingly. 

JCnnibcr and Gallic of Houses and Tcac/icrs. — The fol- 
lowing table will show the names of the public school- 
houses and their present occupants as instructors : 

District No. I . .Shepherd John II. White. vSr. 

District No. 2. . ISlacedonia William Kiger. 

District No. 3. .College Hill Emma Parnell. 

District No. 4. .Nebraska Oliver Stoner. 

District No. :; . .Ash Grove.- Cassius M. Currv. 

District No. 6. .Independent O. II. Tibbett. 

District No. 7 . . Boyd's Mrs. R. II. Craig. 

District No. 8. .College Cornei' O. P. Eastes. 

District No. 9. . Judkins A. N. Rhue. 

District No. 10. .Frazier William Elsberr\'. 

District No. II.. Danners Maud Everett. 

District No. 13. .White Haven V. H. Finnell. 

District No. 13. .Junction W. H. Craig. 

District No. 14. .Woodbine E. W. Felt. 

District No. 15 . . vSlabtown Iduna M. Smith. 

District No. 16. .Benevolence Newton Goble. 

The city of Greenfield has two schools, one for the col- 
<jred and one for the white children. The former use a 
rented room. The teachers for the public school (lor a cut 
and account of the building see page 38) tor the present 
year are as follows, to-wit : 

Superintendent Prof. J. W. Stout. 

Principal high school Miss Mary Sparks. 

Room No. 7 Miss Ida Anderson. 

Room No. 6 Mrs. Kate Applegate. 

Room No. 5 Miss Mattie Sparks. 

Room No. 4 Mis% Ida Geary. 

Room No. 3 Miss Laura Pope. 

Room No. 2 Miss Eva Williams. 

Room No. I Miss Anna Harris. 

Teacher colored school C. B. Gillim. 



152 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

lvalue of' School Houses and Apparaliis. — Center town- 
ship has sixteen school-houses, five brick and eleven frame, 
valued at $9,600, including grounds, furniture and out- 
buildings. Her maps, charts, globes and othfer apparatus 
are valued at $400. Total value of school property in the 
township, exclusive of the city, $10,000. In Greenfield, 
the school realty is valued at $20,000 and the apparatus at 
$200: total, $20,200. 

ScJwhxsiic PofAiIatioii. — The scholastic population of 
Center, for 1853, was 498 ; for i860, 752 ; in 1870, 754 ; in 
1880, 753. For Greenfield, f'or the last three decades, the 
figures were respectively 351, 417, 653. 

Tozi'iiship Trustees. — The following are the names of 
the trustees, with the time of their appointment, since 1859, 
at which time the ofHce assumed some dignit\- and impor- 
tance : 

John Foster 1S59 \V^illiain F. Pratt 1868 

John H. White 1861 S.T. Dickerson 1S70 

W^illiam P^rost 1862 James ^VlcClarnon 1S74 

Robert Barr 1863 William Potts 1S7S 

J. W. Walker 1864 Robert D. Cooper 1880 

Remarks : John Foster, a portrait and sketch of whom 
appear elsewhere, had the honor of being not only the first 
sheriff' of the county, but the first trustee also under the new 
regime. He was re-elected, and consequently held the 
office for two years, the term of ofhce for a number of years 
being but one year. White, Frost and Barr each ruled 
right royally for one year. J. W. Walker, S. T. Dicker- 
son and James McClarnon each looked after the poor and 
pedagogues for four years. Robert D. Cooper holds the 
purse strings at this date. 

Churches. — Center towaiship and the city of Greenfield 
are reasonably well supplied with churches, the former 
having six, viz. : four Methodist and two l>aptist, and the 
latter one Methodist Episcopal, one Presbyterian, one 
Christian, one Catholic, one Missionary Baptist, and one 
African Methodist Episcopal — six in all. Most of tiie build- 



CENTER TO^\■^■SIIIl• 



153 



ings are good frames, a few are substantial bricks ; a more 
specific account of which will appear further on. 

Popuhition. — An examination of tlie census reports of 
this townsliip for a few decades shows a steady, rapid 
growth. Only thirty years ago, or in 1850, she had a 
population of 806, and nine of which were colored ; ten 
years later she reports 2,529, and seventeen colored, an 
increase of over 200 per cent. In 1870 she had a popula- 
tion of 3,464, and thirt3'-one colored. The last census gave 
her a total, including Greenfield, of 4,284, a remarkable 
increase of 5314- per cent, in thirty years. Greenfield, in 
i860, just before the civil war, had within her corporate 
limits 738 souls ; in 1870, 1,173; in 1880, 2,012. 

Polh and Vote. — For 1881, Center township has 395 
polls and Greenfield 372. Last year Center reported 373 
taxable polls and Greenfield 321, a handsome increase at 
both points, and especiallv in Greenfield. 

Center township, for voting purposes in general elec- 
tions, is divided into two precincts. At the first precinct, 
the court-house, all those citizens being legal voters of the 
cit}' and township residing east of State street and the road 
extending through the township north and south cast their 
ballots : and at the second precinct, a small building across 
the street west from the court-house, those vote living west 
of the above points. The total vote of Center township for 
i860 was 485 ; for 1870, 717 ; for 1880, 1,034, with ^ demo- 
cratic majority of 152 lor 1880, the vote standing: Demo- 
cratic, 581 ; republican, 429; independent, 24. 

Value of Real and Personal Property. — Center township 
being the largest in the countv, reports 32,290 acres of 
land, valued at $784,465, and improvements on the same 
same valued at $120,080, being an average of about 
$28.00 per acre. The personal property in Center, exclu- 
sive of Greenfield, is valued at $270,250. Value of tele- 
graph lines in Center, $1,320. Total value of taxables in 
Center township, $1,167,900. 

Taxes. — Center township paid taxes to the amount of 
II 



154 HISTORY OP' HANCOCK COUNTY. 

$867.83 for 1842, and $6,945.66 for i860 ; for 1881 she pays 
the sum of $13,666.64. The levy on each $100 is $1.12. 
Of this amount, levied in 1881, to be paid in 1882, the fol- 
lowing' men pay i\i\y dollars and upwards : 

Addison, Wesley •$ 82 30 Ha<;cn. J. II., heirs. . . 54 26 

Aniack. T., heirs v 3*-* Hackleman, A 5^ 13 

IJanks, A. J 54 71 Hart t^ Thayer ^ ^5 9- 

Barnett, R. E 65 35 James, Sylvester 70 90 

Black, Jerome ^7 ^7 Longinaker, Letta . ... 67 31 

Bussell, William 66 44 Linehack, J. T 50 12 

Braddock, Henry 79 33 Martin, William 79 96 

Bovd, P. K 137 00 Martin, Sampson 80 98 

Baldwin, Evaline 7- -9 R3'on, J. W 5^ 47 

Boyd, P. H 195 78 Roherts, Thomas 147 14 

Barr, H., heirs 55 44 Rardin, I. C ^3-5 

Bradley, Nelson 66 58 Sehastian, \\'. 106 19 

Bradley, William 109 69 Swope, Mary E 74 60 

Catt, Jacoh 109 87 Slifer, Jacoh 161 96 

Citizens' Bank 90 82 Steel, ]Marion 98 02 

Duncan, M. T ^ 77 7^ Sparks, F. M 115 11 

Duncan, J. M ::^3 66 Smith, Abner 264 72 

Elsberr}-, Jackson 141 16 Sears, William 73 9^ 

Ellis, Charlotte A 74 42 vSimmons, J. B 62 72 

Forgy, Marion S-^ 50 Tague, G. G 71 29 

Finnell, J. vS 99 17 Wright, E. X 107 72 

Foster, J. R 58 23 Willett, M. T 81 30 

Frazier,^Villiam 135 57 Walker, W. C 84 56 

Gooding, D. S 117 60 White, John II 79 13 

IIollan<l, Thomas 62 76 Wiggins, Charles A.. . ^2 62 

Hunt, Nathan 114 27 Walsh, Ellen 51 52 

Hamilton & Williams. =^8 97 Wilson, J. T 105 08 

Iletlernan, John 61 8:^ Zike, William 72 35 

Greenfield has in her corporate limits, other than lots, 
251 acres of land, valued at $10,645 ; the improvements on 
the same are estimated at $13,775 5 ^'^lue of lots, $177,580 ; 
value of improvements, $227,655 ; value of personal prop- 
erty, $355,690 ; value of railroad property in the city, $12,- 
810 ; value of telegraph lines in the corporate limits, $270. 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 1^5 

Total taxables of Greentield are assessed at $785,355 ; the 
levy is $1.49 on each $100. Greenlield was assessed for 
i860, and paid in 1861, the tirst year that she had a sepa- 
rate dupHcate, $2,071.46, and in 1870 she paid $7,979.24, a 
comparison of which with the present taxes shows a rapid 
.stride in tliis direction. The total taxes assessed ao-ainst 
her for 1881, payable in 1882, are $13,039.04. Of tliis 
amount the following persons, partnerships, and corpora- 
tions pay lifty dollars and upwards, viz. : 

Adams, M. M $ 51 91 Hamilton, M. W 62 9:; 

Alexander, New & Hamilton <S: Williams. 74 9- 

Boots 152 65 Hauck, J. J 71 -^6 

Bradley, Nelson 85 00 Jackson & Bro. =>9 60 

Baldwin & Pratt 79 S6 Mitchell, William 147 90 

Banks, A. J 121 65 Marsh, W. & P. A. . . . 86 39 

Boyd, Simmons & Moore, H. L 1 1 1 90 

Boyd 56 62 Mason, J. L 103 i S 

Boyd, P. H 443 05 Morgan, J. M 90 40 

l^urdett, W. C 234 16 Marsh, Ephraim 204 40 

'Crawford, F. H io7 5S New, J. A 70 07 

■Chandler, Morgan. ... 60 38 New, A.J. & J. A.. . . 119 9^ 

■Citizens Bank 474 74 Offiitt, C. G 64 94 ' 

Duncan, George W.. . 86 So Paulhis, M. L =59 86 

Edwards, Catharine.. . 66 02 Poulson, I. P 76 63 

Furry, Sanford 60 09 Randall, G. T 227 82 

Gant, Thomas A 97 3^ Rardin, John, heirs. . . 58 c;6 

Grose, E. B 57 34 Slifer, Jacob, Sr 1 10 86 

Gooding, D. S 74 35 Swaim, Reuben 77 ^^ 

Gooding, Matilda 57 88 Thayer, H. B 50 66 

Glidden, F. E 73 16 Thayer, E. P 66 66 

Greenfield Banking Co 226 25 Thayer, Lee C 11:; 96 

Hughes, J. A 104 94 Williams Bros. & Ham- 

Hart, A. T 144 98 ilton 103 4- 

Hart & Thayer 106 24 Walsh, Ellen 5° 9^^ 

Hough, W. R 273 98 Walker, J. Ward 88 80 

Howard, N. P., Sr. .. . 121 29 Wood, Frances J 6950 

Heflernan, John 6705 Walker & Co., J. Ward 7629 

Hinchman & Swope.. ^o ^2 

Remarks. — The reader will observe that in Center and 



156 HISTORY OF lIAXCt)CK COUNTY. 

Greenfield we have given in the list of heavy ta.\'-payei>r. 
only the names of those paving Hfty dollars and upwards, 
while in most of the townships we record those paying 
ioYtx dollars and upwards. We make this difference on 
account of the difference in the levy. A man paying tifty 
dollars taxes in Greenffeld is not assessed on as mucli prop- 
ertv as one paying forty dollars in Buck-creek. 

Laze (Did J£sqiiircs. — Older than the history of the county 
is the provision for the convenient adjustment of pettv 
difficulties and grievances among the citizens of a township 
at a trifling expense to the erring parties. ■ The township 
system for promoting justice include two officers only — a 
•justice and constable ; the former acts as judge and clerk, 
and the latter is tlie executive officer, and corresponds to 
the slieriff'in his duties. 

The ffrst justices acting in the territory' now under consid- 
eration were Benjamin Spillman, Lucius Brown and O. H. 
Neff', all of whom served some time between the organiza- 
tion of Brandy wine township and the formation of the 
original Center township, and hence were really justices 
of the peace in and for Brandy wine township. The ffrst 
justice of the peace for Center township proper after her 
organization was Joseph Chapman. W. O. Neff' was 
elected in 1831, followed bv Jonathan Dunbar, elected in 
1834- 

(jeorgeTaj^uc ^^34 G. Y. Atkison 1S4S- 

William Justice 1S36 Erastiis Chuicli 1848- 

W. A. Franklin 1841 John Rardiii 1848- 

William Sebastian 1842 Joseph Anderson ^^-^9 

William Ciishman 1843 Jonathan Tague i8:;o 

Harry Pierson 1S46 Leonard Hines or Kines.. 1850 

Thomas H. Fry 1847 Joseph Matthews 185 1 

The above, it must be borne in mind, were the justices 
in Center proper during her twentv-two A'cars' existence 
in her original diminutive size, as shown ow page 89. 
During this same time the following persons served ia 



CENTER TOWNSHII'. 157 

Harrison township, which now forms the northern part of 
'Center, viz. : 

Isaiah Curry 1831 John Martin 1845 

WiUiam Martiiulale 1831 J. D. Conway 1848 

_Tohn ^Martin 1835 John ATartin 1850 

WiUiani Martindalc 1835 W. C. Walker 1850 

John Martin 1840 E. B. Chittenden 185 1 

J. D. Conway 1843 

From 1853, the date of the organization of Center town- 
ship into her present size, the following esquires have served 
the people : 

John Rardin 1854, 185S Isaac Mullen 1870, 1874 

James B. Rawlins. ../... 1854 W. C. Walker 1870, 1874 

Joseph Matthews 1856 George Barnett. . . . 1874, 1880 

William J. Foster 1860 John W. Walker. . . 1874, 1878 

W. P. Cragan i860 James H. Thompson 1878 

George Barnetc. . . . 1862, 1870 James W. Wilson 1880 

John Rardin 1S63, 1866 

Remarks : It will be observed that John Rardin served 
•one term in the original Center township, being elected in 
1848, and went out of office in 1870. John Martin served 
continuously for eighteen years, dating from 1835 to the 
termination of Harrison, in which he served. Mr. Martin 
was also elected in Center after her accession, but declined 
to serve. George Barnett, Esq., served one term in Sugar- 
creek township ; afterwards, in 1862, was elected in Cen- 
ter, and is still holding forth. The present acting justices 
of the township are Esquires John W. Walker, George 
Barnett and James W. Wilson, all residents of the city. 
James H. Thompson served about half his term, when 
trouble from shortcomings in office overtook him, and he 
married a respectable lady of the city, obtained her ready 
cash, and skipped the county, and is now paying the pen- 
alty of a wasted life in a poor-house in Southern Indiana. 
The amount of business done by some of the early justices 
-was very limited indeed. The tirst justice in Harrison 



158 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



township, Isaiah Curry, served one year and died : the 
only business coming' before him during; that term was the 
advertising of an estray. 

It is authoritatively said of another pioneer justice of 
this township, that in rendering judgment in a case of 
assault and battery, in the absence of definite instructions 
and a knowledge of the law, he assessed a fine of so much 
for " assault" and so much for "batterv." 




ANDREW T. HART. 



F'irsf Scifh'rs of Harrison Tozi'iis/iip. — William Cin-ry„ 
for a time county commissioner, built the first grist-nfill in 
the township. Joseph Anderson was the first school- 
teacher. William Martindale, the second justice in the 
township, became eccentric on religious matters, and took 
the name of " Buck Martindale." Among the other first 
settlers were John and David Kingen, Richard Frost, Johnt 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 



159 



CaiT, John Johnson, Jeremiah Hagan, John L. Garwood, 
Richard Guymon, John Tvlartin, William Anderson, Elijah 
Leary and Isaiah Curr}-. John L. Garwood was one of the 
jinymen who tried the Whites for the Indian murders on 
Fall Creek, near Pendleton, in 1824. The first burials in 
the Curry cemetery were Allen Curr}^ and Lucinda Sim- 
mons, son and daughter of William Curry. 

First Business. — The first business of this section was 
with Elijah Tyner, of Blue-river township, who bought the 
venison hams, furs and ginseng of the pioneers, and sold 
them a few of the staple articles in exchange. Some of 
the trading of this section was done at Indianapolis, Pen- 
dleton and Raysville about this time. The first store in 
Center township was in Greenfield, about the ^-ear 1826, 
a fuller account of which will appear further on. We have 
no knowledge of any store in Center township, outside of 
Greenfield, during her entire history, other than the one 
now kept by Dr. George Tague, in the north-east part of 
the township, where the new post-office, Binwood, is kept 
by the proprietor of the store. 

Ex-Cotinty Officers. — Center township, and especially 
that part of it incorporated as Greenfield, like Virginia, the. 
"Mother of Presidents," has been truh' liberal and patri- 
otic in furnishing her quota of county officers to serve the 
people. 

This was the heme of Lewis Tyner, a pioneer merchant 
of Greenfield, and the first county clerk, being elected in 
1828. Here resided John Foster, the first sheriff', and after- 
ward representative for three terms and county treasurer, 
Greenfield was the home of Joshua Meek, the first recorder, 
who filled the oflfice for twenty-one years. Henry Watts, 
the first treasurer, elected in 1828, was from Brandywine 
township. This was the home of Elisha Chapman, one of 
the three original commissioners who divided the countv 
into townships. 

In the little town of Greenfield resided Dr. Leonard 
Bardwell, the second physician and the first representative 
from this countv. 



l6o HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. • 

In Greenfield li\ed John Templin, ;i merchant, and the 
iirst auditor, being elected in 1841, the first date at which 
the State laws required that officer. 

Here also lived Meredith Gosney, the lirst county sur- 
veyor and also school commissioner. He died in Green 
township. 

Here lived in their day Thomas D. Walpole, senator 
and representative ; Joseph Chapman, representative and 
clerk of the court ; Joseph Matthews and John Alley, repre- 
sentatives ; William Sebastian, John T. Sebastian, John 
Hager and Henr}^ A. Swope, county clerks ; Nathan Craw- 
ford and Samuel C. Duncan, treasurers ; Jonathan Dunbar, 
Joseph Anderson, John Osborn and William H. Curry, 
sheriffs ; John Milroy, Levi Leary, Frances O. Sears and 
N. H. Roberts, recorders ; Isaac Willett, Nathaniel Henry, 
Abram Rhue, William Curry, Benjamin Spillman, Jacob 
Tague and Hiram Turner, county commissioners ; George 
Y. Atkison, joint representative, representative, and countv 
clerk; James Rutherford, county clerk and school exam- 
iner ; and Morrison Pearson, count}' treasurer and surveyor. 
Still living and residing among us in the territory under 
consideration are the following w^ell-known, honorable 
citizens, ex-officers: David S. Gooding, probate judge, 
senator, representative, and prosecuting attorney ; James 
L. Mason, senator, joint representative, and school exam- 
iner ; William R. Hough, senator, district attorney, and 
school examiner ; Reuben A. Riley, representative, prose- 
cuting attorney, and school examiner ; John H. White, rep- 
resentative ; Charles G. Offutt, representative ; Morgan 
Chandler, sheriff, clerk, and representative ; Jonathan 
Tague, auditor ; A. C. Handy, auditor and representative ; 
A. T. Hart, treasurer; L. W. Gooding, recorder and pros- 
ecuting attorney ; William Mitchell, recorder by appoint- 
ment ; Jacob Slifer, commissioner ; William Fries, school 
examiner and surveyor ; James A. New, school examiner. 

Here, also, lived William R. West, recorder and pro- 
bate judge, now living in Anderson, and John Hinchman, 
countv commissioner, who now resides in Rush count\'. 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. l6l 

Murders^ Suicides and Remarkable Deaths. — In 1833 
John Hays, an ex-sherift' of Rush county, was burned to 
death at the burning of the first log jail in the count}-, 
located on the south part of the public square. Hays kept 
a boarding-house on the corner now occupied by Doctor 
Boot's residence. He drank immoderatel}- ; became jeal- 
ous of one of his male boarders ; reason and judgment 
were dethroned ; and he determined to wreak out his ven- 
geance on somebody. Being indiscriminate in his selec- 
tions, he entered the Milroy family and committed an 
assault and battery, for which he was confined in jail. In 
his account of the matter, he said he dirked and clubbed 
them as frogs, and they turned to " Milroys." Hays was 
the only one at the time incarcerated in the jail, which he 
set on fire, and was smothered and partially burned to death 
before the fire was discovered. From the "Illustrated 
Historical Atlas of Rush County, Indiana," by J. H. 
Beers & Co., we copv the following : "The second session 
of the circuit court met on the 3rd da\' of October, 1822. 
The sherift", John Hays, did not appear this term, nor does 
his name hereafter appear on the record as officiating as 
sheriff'. From other sources it is known that the unfortu- 
nate man became insane, wandered out to Hancock count}', 
was placed in jail in Greenfield, set fire to the jail, and 
was consumed with it ere he could be rescued. An awful 
death to die I "' But few people remain to recall the sad 
occurrence. 

Mrs. Harris, wife of George Harris, hung herself, 
in March, 1845, with a skein of yarn attached to one of 
the joists. She was a woman in middle life, and nothing 
definite is known as to the cause of the act. Strange as 
it may seem, this was done while Mr. H. was asleep in the 
same bed from which she arose ; and he knew nothing 
about it till morning, when he awoke to find the liteless 
form of his wife cold in death. He did not delay to inform 
the coroner, but cut her down at once, when Mr. Thomas 
B. Miller, acting coroner, was informed, and proceeded to 
hold an inquest, and rendered a verdict: "Came to her 



l62 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 

death by hanging. Cause unknown." This occurred on 
Brandvwine Creek, on the hind now owned b}' Thomas 
B. Miller, in Center township, about six miles north-east 
of Greenfield. 

Isaac Stuart was born in Guilford county, North Caro- 
lina, April 23, 1796. He married Miss Sarah Johnson, 
who was seven years his junior, in liis native county, 
December 8, 1822. In 1829 they immigrated to Indiana, 
and stopped one year in Wayne county and a similar time 
in Henr\^ county, then removed to Rush county, six miles 
south of Knightstown, where they remained until July 14, 
1835, when the}^ made a permanent settlement in Harrison 
township, Hancock county, Indiana, where he remained 
until his death. Here, in the green woods, he carved out a 
home and reared his famih', earning his bread by the sweat 
of his brow, never owing an}' man a cent. He accumu- 
lated some property, and on the night of December 28, 
1846, at eleven o'clock, he was awakened by hearing some 
one walking across the room. Supposing it to be his son, 
Dr. John G. Stuart, who was practicing medicine at Char- 
lottesville, and frequently stopped there when belated, he 
told him that the hired girl, Charlotte Reeves, was in the 
bed. On hearing the old gentleman speak, James Wise, 
a robber, turned, and rushing upon Mr. Stuart, struck him 
over the head with a large club (which is still in possession 
of the family), felling him to the floor. Mr. Stuart 
attempted to grapple with him, when lie was struck again, 
and pushed out of the door, to receive another blow, this 
time from another robber, named Bodkins, which knocked 
him senseless. The two then entered the house, and 
demanded of Mrs. Stuart the money. She gave them all 
in the house at the time, about $125 — eleven in paper, the 
rest in silver, twenty-eight dollars being in quarters. After 
Wise received the $128 he called for $1,000 more, in reply 
to which Mrs. Stuart told him that was all that they had 
about the house; that Isaac had just loaned out $1,000; 
and that if he wanted to kill her lie would have to do so, 
as the\- had no more. Whereupon he knocked her down 



CENTER TOWNSHir, 165 

and beat her nearly to death, vainly attempting to compel 
her to hand over the $i,ooo (which it was impossible for 
her to do). When the doctor arrived the next morning, 
the first thing that greeted him was the pigs licking up his 
parents' blood. The neighbors soon came in, and organ- 
ized two searching parties of eleven each, and went to the 
houses ot the guilty parties, but failed to find them at home. 
The companies then separated, one starting for Pendleton 
and one for Huntsville. One man was sent forward who 
should recognize, speak to, and pass the suspected parties, 
and give the rest the signal ; and when near where George 
Mingle now lives they met Wise on horseback. They 
captured him, and soon took Bodkins also. On taking 
them in the presence of Mr. and Mrs. Stuart they imme- 
diately recognized them, although they were blackened 
the evening before, and they were taken to Indianapolis 
and committed to jail, there being at that time no jail in 
Hancock county. Their trial came off in February, 1847, 
and on the 1 2th of February they were sentenced to the 
penitentiarv, Wise for twelve years and Bodkins for six. 
The latter died in about eighteen months, and Wise was 
pardoned by Governor Joseph Wright, on a petition on 
which the names of the Stuart family were forged. Mr. 
Stuart never fully recovered from the injuries, never being 
able afterwards to attend to business, and after being 
paralyzed eighteen months, during which time he was as 
helpless as an infant, he died August 6, 1859. ^^ '^ ^'^^^ 
request he ordered that as he had never owed anything in 
life, all his funeral expenses should be paid before he was 
buried, which was done. Mrs. Sarah Stuart, whose injuries 
were less severe, is still living with relatives, at the age of 
seventy-eight, loved and respected by all who know lier. 

William S. Wood committed suicide by taking sulphate 
of morphia and chloroform, at the Union depot, Indianap- 
olis, September 30, 1875, '•^i^*^^ thirty-seven vears. The 
cause of this sad occurrence was financial difficulties and 
large forgeries, a full account of which were gi\en b\- him 
in his dying statement and confession, published at the 



164 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

lime in many of the city and county papers of the state. 
On the 28th, two days before his death, he took two poli- 
cies in the Masonic Mutual ])enetit, for his children, to the 
iimount of $5,000, and $7,000 in the Franklin for his wife 
-and children, and he had previously taken $2,500 in the 
Union Mutual, or Northwestern, of Milwaukee. Among 
his forgeries last made were his father's and father-in-law's 
names to a note for $4,000, payable in the First National 
Bank of Cambridge City, Indiana ; and the names of Pratt 
& Baldwin, Marion Forgy, J. W. Ryon, and Thomas 
"Wood to a note for $1,000, which he discounted at the 
Citizens' National Bank of Indianapolis. Of his forgeries 
lie said, which was doubtless true, that he " never intended 
that any one should know it or have a cent to pay tor him." 
But the tinancial crisis was too severe. The shrinkage of 
values, the high rates of interest, and the ditliculties expe- 
rienced in borrowing money at anv rate drove him to 
desperation, and for the time dethroned reason and judg- 
ment. Mr. Wood was one of the most enterprising citi- 
zens of the count}'. Starting in the grocery business in a 
limited way in Greenfield, in 1862, with but little capital, 
lie had greatly extended his business ; then in the hard- 
Avare and implement trade, speculating in land and lots ; 
^vas the prime mover in erecting the Citizens' Bank (of 
^vhich P. H. Boyd, John B. Simmons, Abiram Boyd, W. 
S. Wood, and I. P. Poulson were the stockholders) ; he 
built the two-storv brick in the east part of town, since 
known as the flax factory, then owned by the Greenfield 
Manufacturing Association, of which he was president at 
the time of his death. At heart Mr. W. was a good man ; a 
little vain, but exceedingly charitable ; and was one of the 
most liberal members of the Christian church. He was at 
the time of his death Grand Chancellor of the Knij^hts of 
Pythias for tiie state ; president of the school board in 
Greenfield ; superintendent of the Christian Sunda3'-school : 
and an active, energetic man, who was greatly missed by 
the community. In person he was square-built, heavy-set : 
Aveight, 160 pounds; dark features and dark hair, a keen 



CENTER TOWNSIIIl'. I 65 

e\'e, healthy and temperate; of nervous, sanguine temper- 
ament ; five feet eight inches in height, quick-motioned 
and dignified bearing. He left a wife, the oldest daughter 
of William L. Garriott, and three children to mourn his 
loss, and fight life's battles all alone, unaided by paternal 

iXuidance and a father's strong arm. Mr. Wood's educa- 
te o 

tion was limited, never having had the opportunity- of 
attending school but for a short time ; but by observation, 
quick perception, and a retentive memory, he had partially 
made up the loss : and being of an imaginary turn of mind, 
a fluent talker, and possessed of a strong voice, he was 
considered a good extemporaneous speaker on all ordinary 
occasions and subjects. The last public speech he made 
was on Monday morning, September 27, 1875, in the col- 
lection room in the public school building, in GreenfiekL 
Those who heard it will remember it as at least good for 
an extemporaneous efibrt. The writer knew him well, and 
on that Monday morning, the beginning of the school year, 
had met him a few minutes before the time for opening, 
and invited him, as the president of the board, to be pres- 
ent and make a few appropriate remarks to the children on 
entering on their year's work, which he accepted, as he 
usually did sucii invitations, on condition that he found the 
time. Little did we think while following him in his speech 
through the Elvsian fields, and drinking deep of the cr^•stal 
tbuntains, that he was then contemplating so rash an act» 
to be returned to us in three short days a lifeless form. 

In this townt>hip, about lour miles north-east of Green- 
field, lived William Frost, well known throughout the 
county as a local politician, thoroughly posted in the cur- 
rent history of the county, a successful farmer, an 
unwa\'ering democrat and once a trustee of Center town- 
ship, who came to an untimely death by falling from the 
top of a willow tree, near a cranberry patch north of town» 
where he had stationed himself to watch for a fox which 
he supposed w^ould pass that way for its place of resort. 
On Friday morning, January 19, 1877, Mr. Frost, in 
company with William Martin and William Creviston, 



l66 HIS'lORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

started out on a tox hunt. Frost being a good marksman, 
it was decided tluit he should take a station near the said 
cranberry patch, the fox rendezvous, while his companions 
should drive them up. In order to be unobserwd liy the 
fox. Frost took a stand in the fork of an inclining willow 
tree, some twelve or fifteen feet from the «ri-ound. Noon 
coming on, and Martin and Creviston being tired, finding 
no fox, and supposing that Frost had left the woods, went 
home. But as Frost failed to return home that evening, 
his family became uneasy, and earlv next morning insti- 
tuted a search. About nine o'clock he was found dead in 
the snow under the tree where he had stood. From the 
scars on and about his head, and broken teeth lying in his 
mouth and driven into his split jaw, it was supposed that 
he had relied too much on a small limb, which would strike 
him abovit the shoulders as he stood in the tree, and which 
had broken and let him fall to the frozen groimd head tore- 
most, dislocating his neck and producing instant death. 

On the evening of August 30, 1876, there occurred, in 
the northern part of Center township, just east of the Junc- 
tion, one of the most shocking, horrible and diabolical 
tragedies ever enacted in the county, which resulted in the 
murder of James Reedy, a cripple, by his father, Jerry 
Reedy, in a drunken quarrel between the two after return- 
incj from Greenfield, where thev had taken a load of melons, 
sold them, and partook freely of fire-water, or better called 
dcvi'Ts water, which drowned reason, smothered judgment, 
obliterated natural affection, and drove the actors to des- 
peration and deathly combat. In a quarrel about ""bossing" 
the household, each of them claiming that high prerogative, 
the butt end of a buggy whip was broken across the head 
of young Reedy, breaking down the bridge of his nose, and 
two or three flesh cuts inflicted on the father, terminating 
with a horrible death gash in the skull of young Reedy, 
from the edge of an axe in the hands of a crazed, enraged 
. and excited father. Accordincj to the statement of Mrs. 
James Reedy, the only witness of the terrible tragedy, the 
jiarties had returned from town about four o'clock, and both 



l68 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

declined to partake of the supper prepared for them ; that 
James was lying on the floor asleep, when Jerrv struck him 
a few licks with the whip and told liim to get up, which orig- 
inated the quarrel terminating as above. Young Reed\- 
died in a few hours, leaving a young wife and an unborn 
child. Jerry Reedy said that while in Greenfield thev 
drank together, each four glasses of whisky ; that he 
remembered nothing about using the ax on his son, and 
after becoming sober and rational, wept over the act and 
mourned the loss bitterly. But past acts he could not recall ; 
the life taken he could not return ; and notwithstanding his 
sense of shame, ""rief and remorse of conscience, he must 
suffer the penalty of an infracted law, and is now serving 
out a ten year's sentence in the penitentiary south. This is 
the result of giving wa\' to the first glass. Mad poor Jerrv 
Reedy never begun the use of intoxicants, he might have 
escaped the disgrace of being a worthless sot and murderer, 
and have gone down to his grave with a clear conscience 
and the approval of Heaven. What a grave commentary 
on the common habit of dram drinking. Let the uncon- 
firmed and uninitiated take warning, and "touch not, tasie 
not the unclean thing," remembering that reliable statistics 
show that nine-tenths of the crimes of the civilized world 
are the result thereof; that the accursed habit fills our jails, 
penitentiaries and alms-houses of various kinds, and is 
the mother of pauperism, illiteracy, illegitimacy, crime 
and high taxes, and produces untold toil, suffering, and 
despair by unnatural widows and helpless orphans, left 
unaided to fight life's battles. " Oh ! that men would con- 
sider, and heed wisdom's ways ere it is too late." 

In this township, on the fair grounds, at the south end 
of floral-hall, on the morning of June 26, 1875, William 
Keemer died of what Mark Twain denominates "throat 
trouble." Tlie facts in the case are too fresh in the minds 
of the peoplo to need much rehearsing. Keemer was a 
tall, strong mulatto man, about twenty-six years of age, 
who had committed a rape on Mrs. Jerusha E. Vaughn. 
wife of Mr. William Vaughn, then of Blue-river township, 



CEXTEIi TOWNSHIP. 1 69 

for which he was caught and phiced in the county jail at 
Rushville, where he remained one night, when fears were 
entertained of \iolence, and he was removed to Greenfield 
after night, and placed in the new jail. On the following 
morning, at half-past twelve o'clock, about 150 masked 
men, realizing the enormity of the crime, and tearing the 
technicalities and uncertainties of law, determined to take 
the law in their hands for the time, and see that justice was 
speedih' meted out. They entered the jail, broke into 
SheriffThomas's room, forced the keys from him, unlocked 
the cell doors, and took their prisoner by force, placed him 
in a spring-wagon drawn by a gray horse, and marched to 
the place of execution, as aforesaid. The testimony is that 
the wagon was backed up to the fatal spot and a cotton 
rope placed around his neck, when he was asked if he had 
anything to sav ; in reply to which he said: "Men, you 
are doing a great wrong," which he repeated, and the 
wagon was driven out, and the frail frame was left writhing 
and dangling between the certainties of earth and the 
uncertainties of the future, with the dark waters of death 
near by. After life was extinct a placard was pinned on 
his bosom, to be read by hundreds the next morning, of 
which the following is a copy: "It is the verdict of 160 
men from Hancock, Shelby and Rush that his life is inad- 
equate to the demands of justice.". After life was pro- 
nounced extinct by one of the city physicians, who was 
present as a spectator, one of the masked men arose and 
announced in slow, measured tones something like the 
following: "Comrades and spectators: The scene just 
enacted was done in no spirit of bravado or revenge, but to 
^■indicate in some degree an outrage upon an innocent, 
unprotected woman, and to give protection and security in 
the future to your wives, as well as mine. Now, if any 
one, be he officer or citizen, divulge the secrets of this 
night, he shall surely suffer (pointing to the hanging man) 
in the same way." The crowd then dispersed. The next 
day an inquest was held, and a verdict rendered in accord- 
ance with the above facts. The corpse was then cut down, 
12 



170 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

placed on Frank Barnett's old dra}', and taken to an under- 
taking establishment, and after being gazed on by hundreds 
from the county and town, was taken that night, about 
eleven o'clock, and deposited in its last resting-place on 
the county farm, ''unwept, unhonored and unsung." Not 
being a citizen of Greenfield, he could not be buried in the 
new cemetery without the payment of the required fee of 
two dollars, and no one was found to ad\ance the money : 
hence, with the box in a wagon and *' Buffalo ]>ill " to dig 
the grave, his last remains were deposited as aforesaid. 
Thus ended the earthly career of William Keemer. We 
are no apologist for mob law ; but if it is ever justifiable, 
this w^as one of those cases. 

It was in this township, about five miles north-east of 
Greenfield, that Samuel Deny "came to his death b}' 
stabs and wounds inflicted in and upon his body, by a knife 
or knives, by Harrison Kingen and Lucinda Kingen," on 
the 26th day of July, 1873, from which he died on the 30th. 
It will be remembered that the immediate cause of the 
fatal aftray was a tiny gosling, the ownership of which was 
in dispute. On the day before the culmination of the 
trouble Lucinda Kingen, wife of Harrison Kingen, and 
sister of Samuel Derry, had gone to the house of her 
brother and driven away the said gosling. This act revived 
an old feeling existing between the families, and on the 
Saturday following the three parties met in the public 
highway, near the residence of said Derry, which resulted 
in a fatal fight, in which it seems a club, brick and knife 
were freely used. While there were several cuts on the 
body of Derry, in the opinion of the physicians the wound 
in the back, extending into the cavity of the chest, was the 
immediate cause of the death of Derry. A -post viortcni 
examination also disclosed the fact that the stomach and 
part of the intestines had passed upward through the cut 
in the diaphragm into the chest, and lay in front of the 
heart and lungs, rather on the left side, where the lung was 
collapsed. The coroner's jvny returned a verdict in accord- 
ance with the above facts. This was considered one of the 



LKNTER 'rOWXSIIIP. I7I 

most allocking murders that ever occurred in the township. 
Considering- the rehitionship of the tnmilies and the insig- 

-nificant differences between them, it was wholly unnatural 
and unaccountable, and is certainly a sad commentary on 
family tends and petty strifes. Hereb}^ two families were 
ruined, and their happiness forever destroyed. 

It was in this township, also, at the Judkins school- 
house, that Theodore Gant was struck over the head with 
a wooden poker by his teacher, on March 8, 1870, which 
resulted in his death on the same evening. 

There have been a number of other strange sudden 

■deaths in this township, which we will notice briefly: 
Lewis B. Paris was found dead and badly mutilated on the 
railroad, west of the depot, in November, 1865 5 supposed 
to have been murdered and thrown on the track. Jesse 
McKinney was killed by the cars, at the depot, in i860. 

John Tacket was killed in 1863, a few rods east of the 
depot, by the cars striking him in the head. He was stand- 
ing beside the track, leaning too far over. John Crush 
was killed, it is thought intentionall}-, in a similar manner, 

-on July 29, 1875. Henry H. Baxter, a shoemaker, fell 
dead at the Dunbar corner, April 13, 1872. He left in 
1852, and had returned on a visit. W. F. Barnard was 
killed in November, 1878, on the Washington Duncan 
farm, b}' a pole falling on his head at a barn raising. 
David T. Davis's daughter committed suicide by drowning 

In Brandywine, near her home, a few years since. A Mr. 
Johnson, in the early history of the county, drowned him- 

;self in a pond north-east of the Junction. Henrj^ Ford, an 

"elderly man, dropped dead in the woods, in the presence 
of Sylvanus Campbell and David Deshong, December 26, 
1876. In February, 1869, a man by the name of Cham- 
bers was killed at the Brandywine bridge, by his head 
striking against the top thereof. On the 15th of October, 
1873, a man whose name w^as unknown was killed in the 
same manner and place. Shortly after, perhaps in 1874, *^ 
brakeman was killed at the depot in Greenfield by his head 

-Striking the projecting roof. 



172 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Exports. — The exports of this township and town are 
mainly the products o{ the farm, forest and factory, and 
consists of corn, cattle, hogs, horses, flaxseed, flax-tow, 
staves, heading, school desks, lumber, potatoes, butter, 
efr<rs, hay, wool and furniture. 

Remarks . — With this general view of the tcnYnshij-) we 
close the present chapter. Many of the points herein 
merely allude'd to will receive more attention in the next 
chapter, entitled "Center Township — Continued." and. 
also further on in the book. 



CHAPTER XL 

CENTER TOWNSHIP Co)lt/)niC(I. 

Greenfield. 

Greenfield, the county-seat, metropolis, and only city in- 
the county, w^as laid out in June, 1828, by five commis- 
sioners, appointed for that purpose by the legislature of 
1827 and 1828. The original plat consisted of sixty acres, 
owmed and donated by Cornwell Meek, Benjamin Spill- 
man, and John Wingfield. The town was named by the 
first three commissioners of the county, viz. : Samuel ^'an- 
gilder, Elisha Chapman, and John Hunter. 

The instructions by the legislature to the said commis- 
sioners were to locate the seat of justice of Hancock county 
on the National road, midw'ay between the east and west 
lines of the county. It is said upon reasonably good 
authority that Cornw^ell Meek and Benjamin Spillman' 
measured the count}' from east to west with a string, in 
order to ascertain the center thereof, and future location of 
the prospective county-seat. 

In order to settle a disputed point relative to the method 
by which the count^' acquired title to said original plat of 



CENTER TOWNSIIIl' 



iS 



«ixty acres, we produce an abstract from the old original 
commissioners' record, embod3'ing the report of said five 
state commissioners : 

'•At a special term of the board ot county commissioners of 
the county of Hancock, met at the house of Samuel B. Jackson, 
in the said county, on the 7th of April, 1828, it is ordered bv 
the board *[that] a report returned to the board of county com- 
missioners of Hancock county by the honorable board — the 
James Smock, Thomas Jvlartin, James Anderson, Levi Jessup, 
[and] Richard Blackledge, commissioners appointed by the 
state legislature of Indiana, to meet at the house of Samuel B. 
Jackson, in said county, for the purpose of locating the seat of 
justice in and for Hancock county, aforesaid, is [be] received 
bv said board [of countv commissioners] as is specified in the 
same, [report aforesaid] and ordered to be filed by the clerk of 
said board, [of county commissioners] spread on record, as 
follows, to-wit : 

'• ' Indiana, to-wit : 
*' ' Hancock couxtv. 

'• ' Pursuant to an act of the general assembly of the state of 
Indiana, approved December 24, A. D. 1827, James Smock, 
Thomas Martin and Levi Jessup, three of the commissioners 
appointed bv the aforesaid, met at the house of Samuel B. Jack- 
son, in said county of Hancock, on IVIonday, tlie 7th da}- of 
April, A. D. 1S28, and after being sworn as the law directed, 
proceeded on the discharge of the duties of our appointment. 
On Tuesdav, the Sth dav of April, John Anderson appeared, 
and was sworn as commissioner appointed by the act atoresaid ; 
and on the same dav Richard Blackledge appe;ired, and was 
sworn as a commissioner appointed as aforesaid ; and after 
examining the several sites shown to us, and duly considering 
all the donations ofiered, we have unanimously agreed to accept 
a donation of sixty acres of land donated by Corn well ^leek, 
John Wingfield and Benjamin Spillman, bounded as follows, 
to-wit : Beginning on the line dividing sections thirty-two and 
thirtv-tliree. in township sixteen north, range seven east, where 



*The words and phrases in brackets are supplied bv the aiitlior, lo complete the 
prainmatical constraction an 1 make sense. 



174 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

the National road crosses said line; then a running north thirty 
rods from the north side of said road, and the same distance 
south from the south side of said road; thence west on lines 
parallel with said road one hundred and sixty rods, to the open 
line of section five north and south, to contain sixty acres, which: 
we have selected as a permanent seat of justice for the county 
of Hancock. And it is further agreed and allowed by us, that 
the donors aforesaid be allowed every fourth block in that part 
of town respectively donated by them, in manner following, 
to-wit : JohnWingfield and Benjamin Spillman to be entitled: 
to every fourth block, the county commissioners having first 
choice, and that Cornwell Meek be allowed every fourth block 
on that part of town donated by him, the said Cornwell Meek: 
to have the first choice in the first four blocks, and afterwards- 
for the county commissioners to have the first choice. And it 
is further agreed by us, that the donors aforesaid be allowed to- 
remove buildings, rails, boards, and board-timber already sawed 
off* which may be included in their respective donations; and 
we have further received donations by subscriptions amounting 
in cash and labor and lumber to I265 ; and furthermore, we- 
have taken bonds on the donors aforesaid for the conveyance- 
of the land above described, which, with the paper containing 
the subscriptions aforesaid, is submitted to the county commis- 
sioners. 

"'James Smock, 

•"Thomas Martin, 

" ' Levi Jessup, 

" 'John Anderson, 

'"Richard Blackledge.' 

" It is ordered by the board [that] the seat' of justice of 
Hancock county shall be known and designated [by] the name 
and title of ' Greenfield, the seat of justice of Hancock county.' 

" It is ordered by the board that Jared Chapman, agent of 
Hancock county, be and is hereby invested, and is hereby 
authorized, to make and form a plat for the further instruction 
of the board of commissioners, to lay oft' the town of Greenfield 
into lots, and that he present the same to the next term for 
inspection. 

"It is ordered by the board that the said agent shall adver- 
tise at least in sixty handbills, and shall distribute the same, the 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. I 75 

terms of sale to be as follows, to-\vlt : One-fourth of the pur- 
chase money down, and the balance in three equal annual pa}'- 
nients. 

" It is ordered by the board that the said agent shall survey 
and lay out the aforesaid town into blocks against the first Sat- 
urday of June next ; and that the commissioners and donors do 
meet on the same day, and make choice agreeable to the report 
made by the board of state commissioners to the county com- 
missioners, May !^, 1828. 

" Samuel Vangildek, 
" Elisha Chapman, 
"John Hunter." 

The original plat, it will be observed from the above 
report, was just sixty rods wide, extending thirty rods on 
either side of the National road, and a half mile in length. 
The original plat consisted of a public square and thirty- 
four blocks, divided into one hundred and sixty-one lots. 

It may be of some interest to the young to know^ not 
only the size, but the boundaries of said original plat. The 
east line thereof runs just west of Martin Lineback's resi- 
dence and Morgan Chandler's property. Benjamin T. 
Rains resides on the north-east corner lot. The north line 
extends along the alley south of Dr. Martin's residence, 
and forms the north line of the Catholic church. Thomas 
Carr, Sr., resides on the north-west corner, and John Ryon 
on a central west lot. The south line of the old plat forms 
the north line of the old seminar}- lot, and runs just south 
of Nelson Bradley's residence. 

Additions. — From time to time a number of additions 
have been made to Greenfield and the original plat, num- 
bering more than a score in all. The first addition was 
made by Edward K. Hart, a brother of A. T. Hart, on 
March 4, 1839, '^"^^ consisted of twelve blocks, fifty-six 
in-lots and twelve out-lots, and lies south of the old plat 
and east of State street, except one tier of lots, which lies 
on the west. 

The second addition was made by Morris Pierson, on 
the 14th of April, 1853, and consisted of six blocks, divided 



176 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

into lifty-iour lots, located about the old seminary, which 
it surrounds, except on the nortli. 

The third addition was made by Meek & Hart, on the 
23rd of Jul}^, 1853, and consisted of four blocks, fifty-one 
in-lots and twelve out-lots, located north of the western 
portion of the old plat. The writer's residence is in this 
addition. 

The fourth addition was made by Morris Pierson, being 
his second addition to the town, on the 28th of Februar}-, 
1854, and consisted of twenty-three in-lots and four out- 
lots, located due south of Pierson's first addition, and 
extending the whole length thereof. 

The fifth addition was made by the railroad company', 
on the 28th of July, 1854, '^^^^ ^^ located in the south-west 
corner of the original plat, and west of Pierson's first addi- 
tion, and consisted of three blocks and fifteen lots, the 
third block not being divided into lots. 

The sixth addition was made by Captain James R. 
Bracken ; said addition declared null and void. 

The seventh addidon was made by Fletcher & McCarty, 
on the 24th of December, i860, and consisted of eighteen 
lots, located west of the old addition and north of the 
National road. 

The eiirhth addition was made bv Nelson Bradlev, on 
the 23rd of September, 1867, and consisted of eleven blocks 
and fortv-four large lots, located east of North State street 
and north of the old town plat. 

The ninth addition was made by Benjamin Elder, on 
the 20th of April, 1870, and consisted of thirteen blocks 
and ninetv-two lots, located nortli-west of the old plat and 
w'est of Meek & Hart's addition. 

The tenth addition was made by Thomas Snow, on the 
19th of August, 1870, and consisted of fifteen lots, located 
on the west side of North State street. 

The eleventh addition wiis made by Wood, Pratt & 
]5aldvvin, on the 5th of June, 1871, and consisted of seven 
blocks and fifty-six lots, located east of the old plat and 
north of the National road. 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. I 77 

The twelfth addition was made by William C. Burdett, 
on the 2nd of July, 187 1, and consisted of forty-seven lots, 
located west of Elder's addition. 

The thirteenth addition was made by Wood, Pratt & 
Baldwin, being their second addition, on the 28th of Octo- 
ber, 1 87 1, and consisted of nine blocks and seventy-eight 
lots, located north of their first additioir and east of Brad- 
ley's addition. 

The fourteenth addition was made by Wood, Pratt & 
Baldwin, and called their first addition of out-lots, on 
August 30, 187 1, and consisted of seven out-lots of various 
sizes, from one to seven acres each, and located east of 
their first addition. 

The fifteenth addition was made by William Teal, on 
the 17th of October, 1871, and consisted of twentv-four 
lots, located west of Burdett's addition. 

The sixteenth addition was made b}' Wood, Pratt & 
Baldwin, on the 26th of October, 1872, and known as their 
second addition of out-lots, and consisted of four out-lots of 
several acres each, located east of Hart's addition. 

The seventeenth addition was made by John Ilinchman, 
on the 2nd of June, 1873, and consisted of ten lots, located 
north of Fletcher & McCarty's addition. 

The eighteenth addition, known as Stewart's addition, 
was made by Ithamer Stewart, on the 3rd of July, 1873, 
and consisted of four blocks and twenty-eight lots, located 
in the west part of town, south of the National road. 

The nineteenth addition, known as O'Donnells' addi- 
tion, was made by O'Donnell & Brother, on the 28th of 
May, 1874, '^^^^ consisted of twent^'-one lots, located in tlie 
south-west part of town. 

The twentieth addition was made b\' Wm. S. Woods, 
and known as Woods' addition, on the 12th of May, 1875, 
and consisted of thirty-seven lots, located south of the 
National road, in the east part of town. 

The twent\--first addition was made by John Ilincli- 
man, and known as Hinchman's second addition, on the 
2nd of June, 1875, and locatad between the school-house 



178 HISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 

lot and the National road, and consisted of ten lots, the 
central two of which the city council bought and appro- 
priated as a street. 

The twenty-second addition was made by Morgan 
Chandler, on the 4th of June, 1875, and consisted of five 
lots, located south of the National road and east of the 
old town plat. 

The twenty-third and last addition \vas made by Wm. 
C. Burdett, and known as his second addition, on the loth 
of October, 1877, and consisted of twenty lots, located in 
the north-west part of town, north of Teal's addition.* 

Ccrnctcj'ics. — Greenfield has two cemeteries, and has 
had none others. The first, now known as the "Old 
cemetery," was donated to Hancock county by Andrew 
P. Jackson, May 9, 1843, and located south-east of the 
original plat of the town of Greenfield. It is not very 
large, and, consequently, has been about full for several 
years. The first burial here was Docia Spillman, a daugh- 
ter of Benjamin Spillman, who died in September, 1828, 
aged fourteen 3'ears. Here lie slumbering the men who 
cleared the forests, and established the little county-seat 
that should become the future city of Greenfield. Here lies 
buried much of the early history of Greenfield and the 
country surrounding. Here, beneath moss-covered mon- 
uments, lie the business men and their companions of forty 
and fifty years ago. Dear to the memory- of many is this 
sacred spot, around which clusters fond memories and hal- 
lowed associations of other days. Sacred, solemn place ! 
Stranger, step gently over her unmarked graves — 

" Some mute, inglorious Milton here may rest, 
Some Cromwell guiltless of his country's blood." 

Mow down the briers ; pluck up the weeds ; fill up the 
sunken graves ; repair tiie broken down fences ; strew flow- 
ers over the graves ; and let not the immortal spirits view 



*The iiiUlilions in cvcrv ciise, except the first, bear the niiin: of the proprietor. 
The ordinal numbers, from one to twenty-three, of the additions we liave given to show 
the order in wliitli thev were made. 



CENTER TOWNSHir 



79 



the ungrateful neglect of their mortal remains. In 1868, 
March 3, the county commissioners deeded the Old cem- 
etery to the city of Greenfield, which now has the man- 
agement and control of the same. 

The New cemetery was purchased by the city of Green- 
field, April 28, 1863, for $450, and surveyed and entered 
of record the 30th day of June, 1865, and consisted of a 
little over six acres It is located in the south-east part of 
the city, due south of the Old cemetery. It is laid out 
into blocks, lots, streets and alleys, with a circle in the 
centre. It has four blocks and four hundred and twenty- 
one lots. The south-east block is only partially divided 
into lots, but left for a common burying-ground. It has a 
drive wa}^ around it, and across it at right angles, and is 
reached by a well graded and graveled street. The plan 
of the grounds is good ; but the drives, or streets, are 
unmade, and the grounds unkept, save in a careless, par- 
simonious manner unbecoming the dignity of the city. 




I-IKST LOG CABIN IN (iUEEN FIELD. 



Early History. — The land from which Greenfield was 
carved was entered in 1826 and '27 by the donors aforesaid. 
The town was laid out in the woods by Jared Chapman, 
the county agent, who was authorized to sell and convey on 
behalf of the county all unreserved lots. The first lot sold 
was to John Anderson, the deed bearing date of June 4, 
1828. The first to settle on the town site were Cornwell 
Meek, Morris Pierson, Dr. Lot Edwards, William Carr, 



l8o HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

and Lewis Tyner. The first business house in Greenfield 
was built by John Justice, some time prior to the or<:C'^rii- 
zation of the city. It was a primitive structure, made by 
settling" posts in the ground, and weather-boarding and 
covering with clapboards. The first tVame building was 
erected in 1830, b\^ Benjamin Spillman. The first dwell- 
ings, like the stores, were also cheap, rude structures, 
made of poles, and the better ones of hewed logs. A 
few years later saw-mills became more plentiful and con- 
venient, when small frames superseded the primitive cabin. 
The first frame of any note was built by James Hamil- 
ton (Moses W. Hamilton's father) as a two-story tavern 
stand, located near where the Guymon house now stands. 
The next was erected b}- Jonathan Dunbar on the oppo- 
site side of the street, and is a part of the Walsh property. 
A little later was erected the Gooding corner, a portion of 
the lumber of which was sawed by hand with a whipsaw. 
This building was used as a tavern, and was the finest 
frame of the town at the time. East of it, on the north- 
west corner of the public square, was a pond trom three to 
five feet deep, used by travelers to wash ofi^" their horses. 
It w-as afterwards drained by a blind ditch, passing out 
north-east under Hart & Thayer's store. 

The first courts were held in a log house located a lit- 
tle south of the Gooding corner. The papers were kept 
in boxes and barrels, and stowed away miscellaneoush'. 
without much, if anv, classification. 

Postofficc. — The amount of postal matter at that date 
was verv limited, scarcely sufiicient to justify the keeping 
of an oflice ; indeed, it is said that for a time while Joseph 
Chapman was working for " Uncle Sam " as jiostmaster he 
carried the postoflice and its contents in his hat, as a con- 
venience to the public and himself. There need have been 
no complaint of "posting bills," crowding, loud talking 
and smoking in the postofiice in those halcyon days. 

Sidczvalks.. — The sidewalks up to this date were gen- 
erally made, if at all, bv placing boards and plank either 
cross or lengthwise. Even up to the time of the civil war. 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. l8l 

twenty years ago, there were but few brick sidewalks, and 
no gravel. It is said that Dr. N. P. Howard made the 
llrst brick sidewalk in the town. » 

First Business Bricks. — The hrst business brick in the 
town was built by Hugh Wooster and Cornwell Meek, 
recently torn down b}' Thomas Randall, and known as the 
Edwards drug store. The next, perhaps, was the Wil- 
liams brick, recently removed by Williams and Crawford, 
and built bv Meredith Gosne}'. The Walker corner, at a 
little later date, was built by Wooster and Templin. 

Private Residences. — About this date a few good resi- 
dences were erected. Among the first was a two-story 
frame bv Dr. Lot Edwards. Later the A. J. Banks resi- 
dence, built bv A. M. Patterson; the P. H. Boyd resi- 
dence, built and owned bv Dr. B. F. Duncan ; the A. T. 
Hart residence, built bv Cornwell Meek ; the Dr. N. P. 
Howard, senior, residence, built by T. D. Walpole. 

Other Buildings. — At the time of the building of the 
Banks brick bv Patterson, he also erected the two-stor}- 
frame on the corner, south, used as a stove store. Patter- 
son used it as a hatter shop. The Christian church, the 
oldest church building in tovv'n, was built about this time, 
long before the building of the court-house, and was used 
for about two years as a court-room. The county semi- 
nary was built in 1842, and a frame on the Catholic church 
lot in 1852. The court-house and jNIasonic hall were 
erected in 1854. 

Remarks. — The plank road was built in 1852 and the 
railroad about 1853. Let the reader, in imagination, go 
back to 1854, '^ very important era in our histor}-, and take 
a view of Greenfield. All the buildings mentioned above 
were built during, or prior to, that date, and most of them 
standino-. There were then two churches — the Christian 
and Methodist ; the latter was not the present brick, but a 
frame due south, now used as a residence ; the Masonic 
hall was then new — the largest and grandest building in 
town ; the Catholic church building was then used as a 
school-house ; the most of the business houses then were 



1 82 IILSTORV OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 

tVames : the streets and sidewalks only partially i^'raded, 
and none of them graveled. 

F'frcs. — x\bout 1839, ^^^'^ ^"'^ tiend fought furiously with 
Greenfield, destroying all the business portion on the north 
side of Main street between the tavern, located about 
where the Guymon house now stands, and State street. 
Several business men lost all their stock, A. T. Hart being 
one of them. 

Previous to the building of the Walker corner, Joseph 
Chapman erected a three-story frame hotel (or tavern, as 
such buildings were tlien called), on the corner now occu- 
pied bv said Walker brick, in which Elijah Knight was 
keeping tavern, and controlling a large frame stable, both 
■of which were burned, and about fifteen horses were lost. 

In 1857 another frightful fire raged in the town, destroy- 
\nQ. all the buildings between Dr. Howard's residence and 
the Walker corner. 

AmoniT the other fires from time to time we note the 
complete destruction thereby of two flouring mills, two 
planing mills, one flax mill, one 'extensive pump factory, a 
woolen factory, a ware-house, a stable containing lour 
horses, and several dwellings of more or less value. 

It will be seen that Greenfield has had a full share of 
fires for the time, sufficient at least to give her liberal citi- 
zens a reasonable warning to provide ample protection. 
Greenfield to-day is unprepared for a big fire, like some 
that have visited her in the past, and is liable at any time to 
sustain a loss many times greater than the cost of an 
engine, cisterns, and other means of protection ; but we 
trust that she will not be " penny wise and pound foolish " 
always. History is of little practical use save as it teaches 
us lessons for the future ; and judging from the past history 
of our county-seat, we can't be too careful in providing a 
defense for the frightful fire fiend. 

Incorporation as Tozun and City. — Greenfield was incor- 
porated as a town in 1854, and grew gradually, yet slowly, 
till 1867, when it took a stride forward and improved rap- 
idlv in buildings and graveled streets, and increased pro- 



184 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

portionatclv in population. She was incorporated as a city 
in 1876, with a popuhition of 2,023. 

Local io)i. — It is handsomely located on the west side of 
Brandywine Creek, and trom its location admits of easy 
drainage, and is laid out with broad and commodious 
streets at right angles, which afford an open view. 

Streets ami Sidewalks. — Prior to tlie close of the war 
there were few, if an}-, graveled streets in Greentield : 
after that for a few years there was considerable graveling 
done, and but little grading. In 1876, after the incorpor- 
ation as a city,* she begun in earnest the grading and grav- 
eling of streets and sidewalks, and continued the same 
with unabated energy to the present. The first street thus 
made was Pennsylvania, by John R. Johnson, contractor. 
North State street was next made, b}' Thomas B. Miller, 
contractor ; then Fourth street and Bradley street, b}' Com- 
stock ; followed by Walnut street. South State street, 
South Pennsylvania street. Mechanic and Main streets, 
besides a number of alleys, by Faurot & Brown, contrac- 
tors. The sidewalks were in all these cases graded and 
graveled at the same time. The most extensive improve- 
ment of the time was the grading and graveling of Main 
street, the paving of her sidewalks, and bouldering of her 
gutters, the present season. 

Synopsis. — Greenfield now has many handsome resi- 
dences, commodious business houses, and good public 
buildings, constructed in modern style. Outside of the 
county buildings, she has two substantial bank buildings 
and banks, three brick churches and one frame ; one large 
two-story brick school-house, with slate -roof and stone 
foundation ; two flouring mills, three planing mills, one 
furniture factory, a flax factory, a heading factor}-, three 
saw-mills, an iron roof factory, one railroad, telegraph and 
express lines, three printing presses, four papers ; lodges 
of Masons, Odd Fellows, Knights of Pythias, Red Men, 



*Under town laws streets are built out of the coininon fuiul, wliile in a city llit 
improvements arc paid for by the abutters on the street. 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 185 

Good Templars ; also, merchants, grocerymen, druggists, 
saloonists, mechanics, doctors, lawyers, preachers, teach- 
ers, editors, poets, eight pikes, and twenty-three additions, 
covering an area of one square mile. 

First Doctors. — The tirst practitioners of the healing 
art were Drs. Lot Edwards, Leonard Bardwell, Jared 
Chapman, B. F. Duncan, Simon Alters, Hiram Comstock, 
R. E. Barnett and N. P. Howard, two of whom are still 
holding forth in Greenfield. 

First Attorneys. — At the first term of court, on the 24th 
of March, 1828, there were admitted to the bar, on motion, 
Calvin Fletcher, Henr\^ Gregg, Marinus Willett and 
Charles H. V^erder ; the most of whom, however, were 
non-residents. In 1846, the attorneys were : David M. 
C. Lane, J. H. WilHams, T. D. Walpole and David S. 
Gooding. 

Remarks. — At this date, 1846, which was prior to the 
time of the railroad, the Dayton and Indianapolis stage 
passed daily east and west through Greenfield. John 
Templin & Co. and A. T. Hart & Co. were the principal 
merchants. William Sebastian was postmaster. 

First Business Men of Greenfield. — Among the first 
settlers and business men of Greenfield were John Justice, 
who had the first grocerv store, some time prior to 1828 ; 
O. M. Ross, who had the first general store, also prior to 
1828 ; William and Lewis Tvner had a store in 1828 ; and 
the following men were subsequently licensed to vend 
merchandise, as shown by the old records in the auditor's 
office, viz. : James Parker, James Hart, A. H. Freeman, 
Jared Chapman, Samuel Duncan, Joseph Chapman, Nathan 
Crawford, E. & R. Tyner, John Mongle, James Hamilton 
(father of Moses W. Hamilton), E. & D. Troxwell, Sam- 
uel C. Duncan, Robert Wilson, John Harris, C. S. Perkins, 
Joseph Andrews, John White (not Hon. John H.), Eli 
Gapen, Joseph Stallord, Dunbar & Clark, T. W. Smart, 
William Bussell (not the present William B.), Burton «& 
Co., Milroy & Clark, Calvin McRay, Tyner & Chittenden, 
W. H. Curry and A. T. Hart. All of the abo\'e were 
13 



1 86 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



licensed previous to 1834. A. T, Hart, the last named of 
the above, was licensed in 1833. After this date we will 
note only a few, viz. : George Tague (father of Jonathan 
and G. G.), Cornwell Meek, Wooster »& Wood, and Foley 
& Gooding. 

First TavcDis. — Prior to 1828, the date of the establish- 
ment of the count3'-seat, S. B. Jackson and Jeremiah Meek 
supplied the wants of the traveling community at their 
ta\-erns and stables, the former holding forth in the bottom, 
■near Brandywine, and the latter in Greentield. We have 
no record of their being licensed. John Branden was the 
first licensed tavern-keeper ; he held forth on the Gooding 
corner, followed by James Hart, then Asa Gooding, at the 
same stand. Elijah Knight held forth in a three-story 
frame, about the same time, on the opposite corner. 

All of the above did business some time prior to 1840. 
We could trace the subject up to 1852, the date of the new 
constitution, at which time the license law for merchandis- 
ing and tavern-keeping ceased, but we deem it inexpedi- 
ent. From then on we have no official records to instruct 
us, but must depend on living witnesses mostly. 

BUSINESS DUtECTORY OF GREENFIELD. 



Merchants — 

Hart & Thayer, 

J. Ward Walker cS: Co., 

William C. Burdett, 

Jackson & Brc, 

Lee C. Thayer. 

Druggists — 

F. H. Crawford, 
E. B. Grose, 
V. L. Earley. 

Druggists and Grocers — 
Boyd, Hinchman & Co. 
Georjje F. Hammel. 



Banks — 

Greenfield Banking Co. — 
Nelson Bradley, presi- 
dent ; Morgan Chand- 
ler, cashier. 
Citizens' Bank — P. H. 
Boyd, president ; J. B. 
Simmons, cashier. 

Real Estate Agents — 
John A. Hughes, 
Myers & Alexander, 
George W. Duncan, 
J. H. Binford. 



CENTKR TOWNSHIP. 



187 



J^oan Agents — 

John A. Iliio-hcs, 
John II. Binford. 
George \V. Duncan. 

Grain Mcrclia)its — 
M. W. Hamilton. 
William Marsh. 

•Grocers — 

J.J. Hauck. 
T. A. Gant. 
Sanford Fiirrv, 
W. S. Gant, 
G. F. Hauck, 
Ct- D- Hughes, 
Alexander & vSon, 
Richard Hagen, 
Alexander, New & Boots. 

JIarness Makers — 
S. E. Gapen, 
J. M. Dalrvmple. 

Agrieiiltural J iiiplenicnts — 
A.J.Banks, 
Baldwin & Pratt, 
D. H. Goble. 
Corcoran iC Wilson. 

Jeivelers — 

F. E. Glidden, 
L. A. Davis. 

Sutchers — 

W. H. Porter, 
Cook & Dennis. 

Hardxvarc Dealers — 
A.J. Banks, 
Baldwin & Pratt. 



Sexi'ing Machine Agents — 
Sidney LaRuc, 
Roland LaRue, 
L. Voung, 
Thomas O'Donnell. 

Millers— 

Alexander, New &. Boots. 
Scott & Co. 

Private Banking — 
John A. Hughes. 

Railroad Agent — 

Moses W. Hamilton. 

Telegraph Operators — 
William H. Scott, 
Marion Philpot. 

Hotel Keeper — 
Jackson Wills. 

Brick jMasons — 
S. S. Spangler, 
A. N. Fitz, 
N. Meek, 
A. Keeley, 
T.Johnson, 
S. Wysong, 

Launderer — 

Harry Spangler. 

Fire Insurance Agents — 
John A. Hughes, 
E. I. Judkins, 
A. R. Hughes, 
W. C. Burdett, 
A. V. Orr, 
Ira Collins, 
T. H. Binford. 



1 88 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



Iron Roojing — 

Smith, Johnson tS: Co. 

Sinitlis and Wagvn Makc?'s — 
Walker & Morford, 
Lnieback & Ban", 
Huston & King, 
S. W. Wray. 

Smith and Macli'uiist — 
J. R. Abbott. 

Blacksmith — 

WiUiani Xewhall. 

lioot and Shoe Dealer — 
G. T. Randall. 

Hoot and Shoemakers — 
G. W. Dove, 
Millikan & Beecher, 
M. S. Walker, 
W. C. Eskevv. 

Undertakers — 

Williams Bros.& Hamilton 
Corcoran & Lantz, 
Trucblood & Alford. 

Carpenters — 

Cochran & Flippo, 
J.J. Walker & Son, 
H. C. Hunt, 
S. O. Shumway, 
Samuel Tulley, 
John Cofficld, 

A. J. Heron, 
Benjamin Price, 
Lace & Everett, 
J. Roland, 

B. Raines. 



Saloon Keepers — 

W. G. Richie, 
J. T. Farmer, . 

R. J. Scott, 
J. Hanley, 

M. Carey, 

A. Hafner, 
Jesse Roberts. 

Ph vs icians — 

R. E. Barnett, 

Ho ward, Mar ti n &Ho ward 

J. A. Hall. 

E. I. Judkins, 

M. M. Adams, 

S. S. Boots, 

L. A. Vawter, 

O. M. Edwards, 

J. W. Selman, 

J. Francis. 

Bngffy and Carriage I}.ealcr.-^ 
J. M. Morgan. 

Stoves and Ti)ixvare — 

Knight & Kirk Bros.,. 
A.J. lianks. 

Tailors — 

E. E. Skinner, 
P. W. Naughton. 

Bakers and Restaurateurs — 
John Bohm, 
James Demaree. 

Painters — ■ 

L. M. Rouyer, 
E. G. Rouyer, 
T.J.Orr, 
J. A. Meek. ' 



CENTER TOWNSHIP 



189 



"VVniliam jVIeel'C. 
Frank Crawford, 
E. Goble. 

Sione Dealers — 

Farout & Brown. 
John B. Chappius. 

Luviber ^/erchants — 
Gordon & Son, 
B. Cox, 
jj. E. Brown. 

Lumber and Coal — 

E. W. Wood. 

Planing- Mills — 

Williams Bros.& Hamilton 
G. W . Puterbaugh, 
J. E. Brown. 

Driven- Well Men— 
George Reece, 
Carter & Hudson. 

Heading ractory — 

Prall cS: Puterl)augh. 

Desk Factory — 

G. W. Puterbaugh, 
Williams Bros.& Hamilton 

Carriage JSTakers — 

W. E. Harris, 

Lineback-& Barr. 

S. W. Wray. 
Piano and Organ Agents — 

F. E. Glidden, 
Thomas Mitchell. 

Furniture Factory — 

Williams Bros. & Hamilton 



Dentists — 

E. B. Howard, 
R. A. Hamilton. 

Dress - Makers — 

Mrs. Sallie Ferren, 
Mrs. L. Stratton, 
Mrs. Anna Bourgett, 
Mrs. J. A. Watson, 
Miss Josie Alford, 
Miss Maggie Galbreath, 
Mrs. Rosa Powers. 

AFiUiners — 

Airs. Sallie Ferren, 
Mrs. J. J. Carter, 
Miss lona Williams, 
Miss Emma Lineback, 
Miss Alice Carter; also 
assistant book-keeper. 

Plasterers — 
E. Gear}', 
J. Norman, 
M. Pratt, 
Williavii W. Webb. 

Draymen — 

Jcjhn R. Johnson, 
B. F. Barnett. 

Roof Painters — 

Brown, Morris & Co. 
Farbers — 

George L. Knox, 

Lewis Young, 

Gus Suess. 
Flour and Feed Store — 

George Baker. 

A uctionecr — 

R. P. Brown. 



190 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



lAvery and Sale Stables — 
J. M. Morgan, 

A. C. Gambrel. 

Peed Stable — 

John E. Tindall. 

Photographer — 
W. T. Webb. 

Street and (Ditch Contractors- 
Farout & Brown. 

Preachers — 

J. F. Rhoades. 
J. H. Hawk, 
W. K. Williams, 
J. B. Sparks, 
W. S. Campbell. 

Gunsmith — 

B. T. Rains. 

JPlax Pactory — 

Henrv L. Moore & Son. 



Dealers in Nursery Sfock- 
J. K. Ilenby, 
R. P. Brown. 

^^CAVs Stand — 
Lea Sullivan. 

Printers — 

William Mitchell, 
R. J. Strickland, 
Republican Company. 

Sign Painters — 
James Meek. 
E. G. Rou}er, 
L. M. Rouyer, 

Paper Hangers — 
James Meek, 
E. G. Rouyer, 
Frank Crawford. 

Teachers — 

See page i ^o. 



CITY OFFICERS. 

Mayor — William J. Sparks. ^[arshal — W. W. Ragan. 

Clerk— ^. C. Boyden. Attor?iey—W . H. Martin. 

Treasurer — James A. Flippo. Engineer — J. D. Williams. 

Conncihnvn. 

F. E. Gliddcn, Samuel Gordon, 

Enos Geary, P. H. Boyd, 

J. C. Alexander, J. II. Bragg. 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. I9I 

CHAPTER XII. 
CENTER TOWNSHIP — Continued, 

Masonic Lodge, No. ioi. 

February 14, 1849, ^^^^ dispensation was issued by Elzur 
Deming, Grand Master, and A. W. Morris, Secretary, to 
the brethren at Greenfield. The following are the original 
officers and members under said dispensation : James 
Rutherford, W. M. ; Harry Pierson, S. W. ; J. R. Bracken, 
J. W. ; George Tague, Orlando Craine, James Shipman, 
Nathan D. Coffin and Morris Pierson, members. The first 
initiation was that of Dr. R. E. Barnett. A charter was 
granted to Lodge No. loi, by the Grand Lodge, on the 
28th of May, 1850. The lodge was organized under the 
charter on the 20th of the following June. The officers 
were : James Rutherford, W. M. ; Harry Pierson, S. W. ; 
J. R. Bracken, J. W. ; Morris Pierson, Treasurer ; John 
Templin, Secretary ; R. E. Barnett, S. D. ; Jonathan Ralls, 
J. D. ; E. D. Chittenden, Tyler. 

Prior to 1854 ^^ lodge had no building of their own, 
but held forth for a time in the old seminary building. 
During this year the lodge, having grown in size and 
wealth, began the erection of a handsome three-story brick 
building, the most commodious in the town. The corner 
stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies by Deputy 
Grand Master Elijah Nevvlin, on the 15th of August, 1854. 

The present officers are : George W. Dove, W. M. ; 
W. S. Fries, S. W. ; Lee O. Harris, J. W. ; Nelson Brad- 
ley, Treasurer ; S. E. Duncan, Secretar}- ; Ephraim Marsh, 
S. D. ; M. F. Williams, J. D. ; Benjamin Price, Tyler; 
William F. Pratt, Steward ; Joseph Baldwin, Steward. 
The present trustees are Ephraim Marsh, F. E. Glidden, 
and S. W. Barnett. 

From the date of organization to the present this lodge 
has initiated two hundred and three members. The mem- 
bership at this date is about seventy. The lodge is in 



192 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



good working order, out of debt, and owns desirable prop- 
erty worth $6,000. It has expended for charitable pur- 
purposes $2,000. Their regular communications occur on 
Tuesday evenings on or previous to the full moon of each 
month. 

I. O. O. F., No. 135. 

Greenfield Lodge, No. 135, I. O. O. F. was instituted 
July 26, 1853. The lodge was organized in the old court- 
house ; afterwards removed to the third story of the Walker 
block ; from there to the county seminary, where, for 
several years, the lodge prospered ; but preferring a more 
central location, the trustees sold the seminary and took 
a lease on a new hall in Howard's block. In the course 
of time the increase of membership, added to the desire on 
the part of many to have a hall of their own, caused the 
lodge to instruct their trustees to contract with William C. 
Burdett for a third story on his new brick in which to hold 
its meetings. Since 1876 the lodge has occupied its own 
spacious hall, which is conveniently arranged, neatly fur- 
nished, and affords a pleasant retreat for its large mem- 
bership. 

The following officers conducted the instituting cere- 
monies in the organization of the lodge, viz. : Theodore 
P. Haughey, Deputy Grand Master ; Past Grand Cam- 
eron, G. W. ; Fred. Bragg, Grand Secretary; A. Cotton, 
Grand Treasurer ; W. N. Lumis, G. M. 

The following were the charter members : N. P. 
Howard, George Armstrong, M. W. Hamilton, Simon 
Thomas, and John R. Boston. 

The following members were initiated on the first even- 
ing, viz. ; Robert A. Barr, M. G. Falconbury, Benjamin 
Deem, Eli Ballenger, James II. Leary, Benjamin Miller, 
John D. Barnett, and Chelton Banks. 

The first election of officers resulted as follows, to-wit : 
George Armstrong, N. G. ; N. P. Howard, V. G. ; John 
D. Barnett, Secretar\' ; Jonathan Dunbar, Treasurer. 

This lodge had received up to the first of Januar\', 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. I93 

1877, $10,122.75. The lodge is out of debt, in good 
working order, with money in the treasury. 

This lodge has been called on to mourn the loss of 
twenty-one members, to-wit : Robert A. Barr, W. R. 
Barrett, Benjamin Deem, Henry R. Hanna, Jacob Drake, 
W. E. Hart, William Wilkins, John D. Barnett, John 
Osborn, Ezra Fountain, Willard Low, Jonathan Dunbar, 
B. W. Cooper, Joseph Conner, Nathan Crawford, Enoch 
Leachman, Henry A. Swope, John H. Bentley, Henry 
R. Clayton, Frederick Hammel, and John D. Barr. 

The present officers are as follows: T. J. Bodkins, 
Noble Grand ; A. J. Herron, Vice Grand ; W. T. Snider, 
Recording Secretary, C. T. Cochran, Permanent Secre- 
tary ; H. J. Williams, Treasurer. Encampment officers — 
M. L. Paullus, Chief Patriarch; Q. D. Hughes, High 
Priest; I. C. Rardin, Junior Warden ; James A. Flippo, 
Senior Warden ; W. T. Snider, Scribe ; N. P. Howard, 
Treasurer. 

Eureka Lodge, No. 20, K. of P. 

was instituted Februar}- 29, 1872. The following were the 
first officers and charter members, viz. : R. E. Barnett, 
V. P. ; W. S. Wood, W. C. ; H. J. Williams, V. C. ; 
Ephrpaim Marsh, R. S. ; J. A. New, F. S. ; E. Geary, B. : 
E. P. Thayer, G. ; S. W. Barnett, L S. ; W. F. Pratt, O. 
S. ; Joseph Baldwin, Milton Peden, G. W. Dove, J. J. 
Pratt, A. P. Williams, Q. D. Hughes, J. D. Vannyes, 
John W. Ryon, B. L. Gant, Calvin Sowder, Jackson 
Wills, and Marion Forgey. 

This lodire was or<xanized and held forth till 1880 in the 
three-stor\' brick on the corner of Main and State streets, 
when thev removed to Furry's block, on West Main 
street, where thev have a commodious room con\eniently 
arranjjed. 

The present officers are: S. W. Barnett, P. C. ; Lee 

Sulfivan, C. C. ; W. W. Butts, V. C. ; H. Snow, 

Prelate; E. Geary, K. of R. and S. ; Charles Cammack, 
I^L of L. ; John S. Huntsinger, ^L of C. ; L. Morford, U. 



'94 



IIIsrORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY'. 



of A. ; A. Everett, O. G. ; Thomas Bodkins, I. G. The 
membership at this date is twent^'-eight. 

Greenfield Lod(;e, No. 184, I. O. G. T. 

was organized on the 27th day of February, 1879, with 
the following officers installed for the tirst quarter : W. 
C. T., F. E. Glidden ; W. V. T., Kate Applegate ; W. C, 
George W. Duncan ; W. S., James J. Walsh ; W. A. S., 
William J. Barrett; W. T., Samuel E. Duncan; W. M., 
William J. Sparks; W. D. M., Clara New; W. I. G., 
Annie Wright ; W. O. G., John Wright; R. H. S., Miss 
Mattie Hall ; L. H. S. Lenna Banks ; P. W. C. T., John 
W. Jones ; tirst representative to the Grand Lodge, John 
A. Dobbins; last representative, Mrs. J. F. Rhoades. 

The present corps of officers are : W. C. T., John A, 
Dobbins; W. P. C. T., George W. Duncan; W. V. T., 
Miss Annie Williams ; W. S., William W. Ragan ; W. F. 
S., WiHiam W. Matthews ; W. T., Noah W. Carr ; W. 
M., John ?Iaithre ; I. S. G., Samuel C. Hutton ; R. H. 
S., Mrs. J. F. Rhoades ; L. H. S., Mrs. W. K. Williams ; 
W. C, W. K. Williams ; Trustees, John A. Dobbins, J. F. 
Rhoades and Thomas E. Johnson. 

The lodge organized with forty-nine members, and the 
average attendance for each year since its organization 
has been fortv-five. The lodge meets on Monday evening 
of each week. Lodge hall, third story, over Walker's 
store, in the citv of Greentield, Indiana. The tirst Good 
Templars lodge of Greenfield was organized about the 
year 1869, by Sister Jackson, of Jeffersonville, and known 
as the Good Templars of Greentield, No. 194. Among 
the lirst members of this lodge were L. E. Rumrill, J. A. 
Dobbins, G. W. Duncan, J. A. New, Mrs. Anna Oflutt, 
Mrs. Lou Scott, Miss Hattie Havens, S. M. Shumway, 
S. M. Walker, and G. W. Dove. The lodge met and 
orsranized over Randall's store, and continued in success- 
ful oper;:.tion tor a time, and linall}' declined and surren- 
dered her charter. 



center township. i95 

The Presbyterian Church 

of Greenfield was organized July 30, 1855. The plans for 
the organization of this church were conceived and com- 
pleted in the house where R. P. Brown now lives. Dr. 
B. F. Duncan and John Wilson were watching by the bed- 
side of a sick friend, near the hour of midnight, when the 
idea was conceived and arrangements were made. Among 
those who petitioned the Indianapolis Presbytery for this 
church were Mrs. T. D. Walpole, Dr. B. F. Duncan, 
John Foster, Captain J. R. Bracken, John A. Richey, 
Alexander Crocket, and Gen. John'^Milroy. The request 
was granted, and the committee to organize consisted of 
the following eminent divines, viz. : David Monfort, 
David Stephenson, and Colonel James Blake. The com- 
mittee, on the date aforesaid, met in the old M. E. church, 
on south State street, and perfected an organization, and 
received the following members into full communion, viz. : 
Gen. John Milro}^ Dr. B. F. Duncan, John A. Richey, 
Alexander and Elizabeth Crocket, Mrs. Martha Meek, 
Hugh Gambrel and wife, John Foster and wife. Misses 
Nancy P. and Mary J. Crocket, Ellen Sturk, Miss Isabel 
Clency, and Samuel and Mary Creveston. Of the four- 
teen who petitioned for this church, only three are living, 
to-wit: Mrs. T. D. Walpole, Mrs. J. T. Lineback, and 
Mrs. J. C. Meek. And only two are living of the seven- 
teen who united with the church at its organization, viz : 
Mrs. J. T. Lineback and Mrs. J. C. Meek. 

The followino^ are the ministers who have served this 
church from the date of its organization to the present, 
with the date of appointment and time served : 

Appointtd. Served. 

Rev. David Monfort 1S55 3 years. 

Rev. William Sickles ^'^59 ^ year. 

Rev. I. T. Iddings 1S60 2 years. 

Rev. M. H. Shockley 1S62 i^ years. 

Rev. Abbottt 1S65 6 months. 

Rev. Isaac W. Monfort 1S66 4 years. 



196 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Rev. Ebeii Muse 1S71 6 months. 

Rev. John Dixon 1S72 4 montns. 

Rev. J. B. Logan 1873 10 months. 

Rev. C. T. White 1874 2 years. 

Rev. J. B. Lowery 1S77 i year. 

Rev. L. L. Larimorc 1878 2 years. 

Rev. Jameison 1880 5 montlis. 

Rev. J. H. Hawk 1880 13 months. 



The founder and nrst minister of this churcli, Re\'. 
David Monfort, was a remarkable man, of great spiritual- 
ity, positive in character, and beloved by all who knew 
him. He is said not to have been a profound preacher, but 
a volumnious talker, tender-hearted, sympathetic, of good 
executive abilit3', and a line judge of human nature. He 
received into the church one hundred and twelve mem- 
bers. He is still remembered as the founder of a day 
school, that was conducted in the Masonic hall tor eight 
3^ears. At this date the public schools of Indiana were in 
their infancy, and of little force ; but this school, under the 
management of Monfort, assumed a high standard in point 
of education. 

The total number of members received into the com- 
munion of the Presb^'terian church of Greentield from the 
date of its organization, in 1855, to the present was about 
four hundred. Present membership, one hundred. The 
cljinxh worshiped in the Masonic hall for thirteen 3'ears, 
and has worshiped in the present building for fourteen 
years. Their building is a handsome, substantial brick, 
44x76 feet, and a gallery capable of seating one hundred 
and twenty-live adults. The whole church will seat six 
hundred persons. It was dedicated on the 27th of Decem- 
ber, 1868, by Rev. Robert Sloss, assisted b\' Dr. Monfort. 
of Cincinnati. Cost of building, $10,500. At the close 
of the services on the day of dedication, there were sub- 
scribed $3,097 to complete the building. The present 
pastor is Rev. J. II. Hawk, the last, but by no means the 
least, of the shepherds of the flock. Mr. Hawk is an 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 1 97 

extempore speaker, a good conversationalist, and has suc- 
ceeded in adding a goodly number to the church. 

There is in connection with this chvnxh one of the best 
Sunday-schools in the count}'. It was organized cotem- 
porarv with the church, starting out with tburteen adults 
and children all told. Rev. David Monfort was the first 
superintendent, Dr. B. F. Duncan assistant, and Joseph 
Mathers secretary'. In 1857 Robert Hall, recentl}- of Cam- 
bridge City, was elected superintendent, and Dr. E. I. 
Judkins secretary-. In 1861 Dr. R. E. Barnett was elected 
superintendent, and the secretary's book shows that on the 
same day $106 were raised to pa}' the prizes due the 
school — a very respectable sum to raise in a Sunday-school 
more than twenty 3'ears ago simply for prizes. Dr. Bar- 
nett continued to serve in this capacity for sixteen consecu- 
tive 3'ears, with credit to himself and honor to the school. 
Q; D. Hughes served as secretary for fourteen years con- 
stant and faithful. The infant class of this school is under 
the efficient instruction and oversight of Miss Sue Wilson, 
assistant postmaster, who has had charge of the babies for 
more than a dozen years. Her class swarms semi-annu- 
ally, sending ofi' new colonies to be directed by others. 
This school has enjoyed nearly fourteen hundred Sabbaths, 
or about four vears of Sunday-school instruction. H. B. 
Wilson, our present postmaster, has been an efficient and 
faithful bible school teacher a greater portion of that time. 
In 1864, the school had enrolled one hundred and fifty-six 
scholars, and the growth has been steady to the present 
date. R. E. Barnett is now superintendent and George 
Wilson secretar}'. 

Greenfield Methodism. 

The early histor^^ of Methodism in Greenfield and 
vicinity can only be given in an incomplete and fragment- 
ary form. The first class known was organized in a cabin 
which stood near the present residence of Wesle\' Addison. 

Some of the earliest settlers of Greenfield were Meth- 



1^8 HISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 

odists, among whom mav be nam^'d the iamili(\s of Abram, 
Samuel and Moses Vangilder ; Major Stephens and Jere- 
miah Meek; and a little later James Parks, John Rardin. 
Jacob Tague, Dr. Lot Edwards, Richard Guymon, and 
others. The earliest settlers found the Methodist itinerant 
wending his wav through the almost unbroken forest 
searching for the lost sheep of the House of Israel, carr}'- 
ing with him the Word of Life, at as early a date as 1828. 
As earlv as 1830 Greenfield became the headquarters of a 
circuit, with a large number of appointments scattered 
widely, which were supplied with preaching once in four 
weeks. Since that time frequent changes have occurred 
in the boundaries of the circuit as the population increased, 
and as the growth of the church demanded, until the 
spring of 1878, when Greenfield became a station. The 
names of all the pastors cannot be given prior to 1837, ^or 
can the order of their pastorate since tliat time be given 
with certainty in every case. 

The followinef are the names and date of service, as 
nearly as can be given: Rev. James Havens and Rev. 
Tarkington were the first preachers in charge : then Rev. 

Swang ; Bradley, in 1837; J- B. Burt, in 1838; 

Frank Richmond and Charles Morrow, 1839 ^^ 1840: 
George Havens, in 1840; John L. Smith, in 1841 : J. S. 

Donaldson, in 1842 ; McNally, appointed in 1843, 

died during the year, and the year was completed b}' ■ 

Manlv ; Joseph Barnick, in 1844 ; George W. Bowers, two 

years ; Beasly, two 3'ears ; J. W. Smith, one year ; 

J. M. Mershon, one year; Eli Rammel, one year; Frank 
Richmond, appointed in 1852, died during the year, and 
Elisha Earl, a well-known local preacher, was appointed 
to fill the vacancy; S. M. Campbell, one year; J. R. 
Davis, one year ; C. C. Cooper, died while in charge, and 
Elisha Earl completed the year; J. S. McCarty, one and 
one-half years ; William Anderson, two years ; Michael 
Black, one year ; John Hill, two years ; J. W. White, one 
year ; George W. Bowers, three years ; Charles Martin- 
dale, two years ; H. J. Lacy, three years ; George Havens, 



200 HISTORY OF HANX'OCK COUNTY. 

three years; L. R. Streeter, five months; I. G. Brown, 
seven months; Y. B. Meredith, one year; J. F. Rhoades 
is now completing his third year as pastor. 

Among the class-leaders of the church are George W. 
Dove, Jonathan Tague, C. W. Gant, and O. M. Edwards. 
This office is about the same as that of deacons or elders 
in some other churches. 

The society was without a house of worship for a long 
time ; but through courtesy of public officials, used a log 
school-house, on North State street, and the old log court- 
house, on the north-west corner of State and South streets, 
south of the Gooding corner, and afterwards in the first 
brick court-house. In 1841 a church w^as erected on the 
west side of South State street, south of and near the rail- 
road. This building is now occupied for a dwelling. The 
growth of the society and surrounding circumstances 
demanded better accommodation for religious worship, 
and accordingh', under the efficient leadership of Rev. 
George W. Bowers, the present structure was begun in the 
year 1866, and completed in 1867 and dedicated free of 
debt by the lamented Dr. T. M. Eddy. The building is a 
plain, comfortable brick, 40x72 feet. In 1878, the church 
was repaired and greatly improved in appearance, and 
provided with gas fixtures, which lights the large audi- 
ence-room completely. The work was done vmder the 
pastorate of Rev. Y. B. Meredith. The church has owned 
four parsonages. The first parsonage stood on East North 
street. The second one stood on the east side of State 
street, just north of the railroad. About twenty-three 
years ago the parsonage on West Main street, now owned 
by E. P. Thayer, was purchased, and sold in 1875. T^'^^ 
present one is a large, substantial, handsome two-story 
building adjoining the church building. It was erected in 
1876, under the direction of Nelson Bradley, J. Ward 
Walker and A. P. Williams, and is valued at $2,000. 
The value of the church and parsonage is estimated at 
$10,500. The membership of the church is about two 
himdred. More than sixty of this number have been 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 20I 

added within the last two years under J. F. Rhoades' 
pastorate. Every department of the church is in tine 
working condition. The society has not been in debt for 
a number of years. There is a hirge and prosperous Sun- 
day-school attached, with an average attendance of about 
one hundred and fifty. Collection, from two to five dol- 
lars per Sabbath. Nelson Bradley superintendent and 
Eddie Thayer secretary. 



Mt. Gilead Church (Baptist). 

On the 15th day of August, 1827, a few individuals of 
the Baptist faith met to discuss the propriety of adopting 
a constitution and establishing a place of worship, which 
resulted in a decision to extend a cordial invitation to 
John Caldwell and brethren, of Blue-river township, and 
Abram Smock and brethren, of Bethel church, to " come 
over into Macedonia'' and lend a helping hand. Accord- 
ingly, on the 19th day of August there was a meeting at 
the house of Mr. Samuel Jackson, with the ministers and 
members aforesaid present ; and after preaching by Elders 
Smock and Caldwell, followed b}- an investigation of the 
faith of the prospective members, they were constituted 
into a church, to be named and known as Brandx'wine 
church. The following persons were received into mem- 
bership, and given the right hand of fellowship, viz. : 
Samuel and Rachel Jackson, Benjamin and Jane Spill- 
man, and James and Elizabeth Reeves. The church bore 
the name of Brandywine till the 2nd Saturday of Aucfust, 
1838, at which time the members gave it the name of Mt. 
Gilead, by which it is known to this day. 

The following have been moderators, viz. : Benjamin 

Spillman, Elders McQiuxry, Thomas Martin, C. 

Hood, T. Martin, William Baker, David Caudel, 

Zion, G. S. Weaver, William H. Curtis ; the last of whom 
is the moderator at this date. 

This church is located four miles north-west of Green- 
14 



202 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Held, on the Noblesville road, on the west side, in a small 
grove. The buildinijf is an old frame, antique in style and 
void of paint. 



Curry's Chapel (Mkthodist Ki'iscoi'Ai.), 

is located about tive miles n(;rth-east of Greenfield. 
Methodist meetings in this neighborhood were first held 
about 1830 ; but not till 1834 "^^^^ there a permanent organ- 
ization, and meetings were held for a time at the private 
residences of Moses Vangilder, James Park, and others, 
till 1843, when a log meeting-house was erected near h\ 
where the present frame now stands. At that date, and 
until within the last few years, this charge belonged to the 
Greenfield circuit. In 1866, the old log was superseded 
by a neat frame, costing $1,300. It was dedicated by J. 
W. T. McMullen. The first pastor was Rev. Barwick. 
The first class-leader was William Martindale. The pres- 
ent pastor is Rev. H. Woolpert. A Sunday-school is sus- 
tained durinir the summer season. 



vSuGAR Creek M. E. Cm licn, 

located five miles north-west of Greenfield, on tiie banks 
of Sugar Creek, was organized in the year 1838. Among 
the first members were James Gant, Jeremiah Gant, John 
Alexander, II. Hunt, Robert Wilson, and Thomas Smith. 
In 1840 they erected a log church, prior to which time they 
had no regular place of meeting. In this log house they 
held forth and prospered till 1872, when they erected tlie 
present neat frame, at a cost of $1,000.. Among the 
shepherds who have fed the flock at this point were John 
Burt, George Havens, John Millender, G. W. Bowers, 
and Emerson and Beasley. The first trustees were John 
Alexander, Ilezekiah Hunt, and Robert Wilson. This 
charge is now attached to the Philadelphia circuit. The 
present minister is H. Woolpert. 



CKNTKR 'roWNSHIl'. 20,^ 

Mr. Carmel M. E. Church, 

in the north-west corner of Center township, on the hanks 
of Suijfiir Creek, was oru^anized ahout 1838, in a loi;- 
school-house near where tlie j^resent house stands. Among 
the first members were Owen and Andrew Jarrett, Martha 
Svvope, WiUiam and l^olly Jones, John AUev, Rile\' Tay- 
h)r, John and Nancy Lewis, Samuel Henry and wile, and 
Martha Chapman, wife of Hon. Joseph Chapman. This 
organization moved quietly along with reasonable success 
till 1850, when, under the ministration of Eli Rammel, a 
remarkable revival was had, in which over one hundred 
were added to the membership of the church. In 1853, 
the society had so grown in size and means that it decided 
on the building of a house, which resulted in the erection 
of the present frame, by Henry L. Moore, at a cost ot' 
$8o3, and is now attached to the Philadelphia circuit. 

Greenfield Cornet Band 

was organized in 1865, from a remnant of a band that 

-existed during the war, and prospered till 1874, when it 

was reorganized and equipped, with considerable change 

in the membership. There having been no record kept of 

the organization, we are unable to give the names of tin' 

members, with anv degree of certainty, during her earlv 

•existence. The following are the names of the present 

•organization, viz. : Isaac R. Davis, Thomas Carr, John 

Davis, Charles Davis, Abijah Davis, Penn Bidgood, Gea- 

tano Ponti, Qiiinn Johnson, Frank Barr, and Charles 

Carter. The members are \iniformed, and supplied witii 

good instruments, at a cost of $250, and a band wagon 

worth $600. 

SlEI'HEN T. DiCKERSON. 

The subject of this sketch was born October 27, 1830. 
•one mile east of Fountaintown, Shelby county, Indiana, 
where he remained with his father on the old homestead 



CENTER TOVN'NSHII' 



^05 



till the date of his marriage with Nancv Wiggins, of Han- 
cock county, in the twentv-second xenr of his age. 

Mr. D. engaged in the stock trade at the age of eighteen 
with George Roberts. Their first speculation was in sheep, 
purchased north of Greenfield, of Harlan Reeves and 
others in that neighborhood, at lifty cents per head for the 
choice of the flock. His next trade was with Hugh Woos- 
ter, of Greenfield, of whom he purchased fifteen large, 
choice steers, at $15 each. When they were turned out 
of the large woods pasture, on the farm now owned by 
John T. Lineback, to drive to town, thev bounded ofl' 
through the woods and brush and over the logs at such a 
rate that Mr. D. got completelv lost, and came on to 
Greenfield to await results. In the course of an hour Mr. 
Wooster put in an appearance with the cattle, telling 
Dickerson that he was not worth a "continental copper" 
to drive stock, or he could get through the brusli fast 
enough to keep up with an old man like him. Mr. D. has 
been in the stock trade in Hancock county for thirtv-three 
3'ears, and has probably bought and sold more stock than 
an}' other man in the county ; and we mav add, has always 
enjoyed the confidence and esteem of his customers and 
the public generally. He also filled the office of trustee 
of Center township for two consecutive terms, during 
which he took great interest in the schools, and encouraged 
both pupil and teacher bv frequent \isits. 

Mr. D. is a liberal, jmblic-spirited man. and has taken 
great interest in organizing pike companies, and encour- 
aging the citizens of the county to construct good gravel 
roads, to which he has always been a liberal subscriber. 
It was through his management that the Greenfield and 
New Palestine gravel road was completed, which was 
probably the most difficult road of the kind ever made in 
the county, owing to the distance to which the gravel had 
to be hauled, being cm an average of more than two miles. 
Mr. D. also organized the Center and Brandvwine Pike 
Company, and was one of its most liberal subscribers. 

He was one of the first children born on Brand\'wine, 



206 HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY*. 

and, consequently, has seen a good deal of pioneer life- 
He says that the first apple that he ever saw growing was 
in the orchard of James Smith, about five miles south of 
Greenfield. He recollects the first frame house, sawed 
boards and painting, in the neighborhood. It was on the 
farm of Robert P. Brown, built by the late Jacob Fogle- 
song. When Mr. D. first saw Greenfield, there were but 
two houses south of Main street ; one, he thinks, was Mr. 
Oftutt's and the other was near where Mr. Paullus"' new 
residence now stands. The first public gathering which 
he recollects attending was "muster," on "muster day," 
at James Goodwin's residence, now owned by John Richey, 
of Brandywine township. He attended school on Hominy 
Ridge, and was one of the boys that helped to cany Jack- 
son Porter on a rail to Brandywine before he would " come 
down" with the cider, apples and ginger-bread. Mr. D^ 
says he well recollects when there were more still-houses 
in Brandywine township, Hancock county, and Van Buren 
township, Shelby county, than there were school-houses ; 
and that it was a very common thing for the neighbors to 
send to the still-houses for beer, and use it in the place of 
milk to drink. But notwithstanding the evils of that day, 
the young folks had their sport and amusement of many 
kinds. In the fall and winter seasons there would be a 
wood-chopping and quilting in the neighborhood about 
once a week, and a dance at night. Then there were the 
apple bees, pumpkin peelings, flax pullings. and corn- 
huskings — all sources of amusement. When the Mt. 
Leban(m church was organized, a great number of the 
voung joined, and held out faithful for a season ; but when 
the time for parties arrived, no small number would per- 
sist in dancing, greatly against the rules laid down b}' old 
Fathers Muth and Havens, the clerical advisers of that 
time. Mr, D. well remembers seeing one young fellow 
arraiirned before one of the old fathers, charged with the 
sin of dancing. His reply to which not being satisfactory, 
he was told that it would not be tolerated. "Then," said 
the voungster, "take mv name oft' the church book. I 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 207 

only intended to join through the sickly season/' Mr. D. 
is in harmony with the doctrines of the Christian Church, 
and has ever been liberal in the support of the same. He 
is a democrat in principle, though not dogmatic in his 
views, and was alwavs opposed to slavery. Mr. D. is 
president of the New Palestine gravel road, and has 
several times served as president of the Hancock Agricul- 
tural Society, and has ever been an enterprising, ener- 
tretic citizen. 



InTp. 



Tp. Line 



CHAPTER XIII. 



GREEN TOWNSHir 



a K 



,.. 


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S 


9 


10 


II 




iS 


17 


16 


>5 


14 


=4 


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20 


21 


23 


23 


^5 


3^5 


29 


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27 


26 


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32 


33 

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34 


35 



17 N 



17 X 



Scale: Tivo miles to the inch. 

MAP OF GREEX TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING THE SECTIONS, TOWNSHIP AND RANGES OF WHICH IT IS COMPOSED. 



JTanic and Organization. — This township took its name 
trom John Green, the tlrst settler, or at least one of the 
tirst settlers thereot'. It was orijanized in 1832. and then 
consisted ol' sixty sections, the same territory now embod- 
ied in Brown and Green, It was taken from the north 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 2O9 

part of Harrison and Jackson, which in 183 1 extended to 
the north line of the county, their southern boundary 
being the same as shown on map, page 89. In 1833 
Brown was taken from the east part of the original Green 
township, leaving it composed of thirty sections, the pres- 
ent size.* 

Location^ Size. Buu)idar\\ etc. — Green township is 
located in the central northern portion of the county, and 
in extent is five miles north and south and six miles east 
and west, being uniform in size with Brown and Blue- 
river. It is bounded on the north by Madison county, on 
the east bv Brown township, on the south by Jackson and 
Center, and on the west by Vernon. It is located in 
township seventeen north and in ranges six and seven 
east. The west tier of sections is in range six east, and 
the remainder in range seven east. The range line runs 
one mile west of Eden, and forms the east line of Thomas 
McClarnon"s farm. 

Surface., Soil. Drainage, and Productions. — The sur- 
face is generally level and slightly undulating, with the 
exception of a small portion bordering along Sugar Creek. 
The greater portion of the soil is a black loam, rich and 
productive, and portions of the uplands a good clay, both 
red and blue. There is but very little third-rate land in 
the township at this date, since the recent attention given 
to tile draining and public ditching. The chief produc- 
tions are hogs, cattle, wheat, corn, horses, oats, flaxseed. 
and Irish potatoes. She has no factories, and owing to 
her distance from the railroad heretofore, she has not 
drawn so heavilv on her forests as her sister townships 
have done. In i83o she produced from 3.094 acres. 52.598 
bushels of wheat : from 'ct^Z^- acres, 92,796 bushels of 
corn ; from 349 acres, 8,027 bushels of oats ; being about 
an average township of the county. For the same year 
she reported 753 tons of hay. 266 bushels of Irish potatoes, 
and 905 lbs. of tobacco. 



*F<)r a fuller historv «>f the organization and bounJar'.ei see pages 31 and 90. 



2IO HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Streams. — Sugar Creek* takes a general diagonal 
course across the township. It enters on the east line, one 
and one-half miles south of the north-east corner, and 
runs one mile north-west ; thence two miles south-west 
into section twent3'-two, in the middle tier of sections ; 
thence in a general westerly course, passing Eden on the 
north, through sections twentj'-one, twenty and nineteen 
to the center of section twenty-four ; thence in a south by 
south-west course, passing out of the township at the north- 
west corner of section thirty-six. 

A small stream rises on the south line of section thirty- 
two, runs north by north-west, and flows into Sugar Creek 
on the west line of section nineteen. 

Swamp Creek extends through sections thirt3'-two and 
twenty-nine, and enters Sugar Creek near the center of 
section twenty. 

First Laud E)itrics and First Settlers. — The first land 
entered in Green township was by William Shortridge, on 
the 26th day of May, 1829, being the northeast quarter of 
section nineteen, township seventeen north, in range seven 
east, lying north of Eden. John Green and Andrew Jack- 
son made entries a little later in the same year. 

The first settlers were John Green, from whom the 
township was named ; William Rickard, Miles Walker, 
Thomas Dorson, John Hanger, Vincent Cooper, John L. 
Alford, Abraham Rhue, Robert Walker (father of Rev. 
Miles Walker), Thomas L. Fuqua, and John Denney ; all 
of whom settled prior to 1833. Afterwards came Jona- 
than Ilorniday, Isaiah and Jesse Jackson, John Forgy, 
Willliam Thomas ; Joseph, William and Jesse Roberts ; 
Jacob and William Amack, James Walker, Edward Bar- 
rett ; George Henry, associate judge ; Samuel Henry, 
William Galbreath, and John Myers. Most of the above 
have long since bid adieu to terrestrial scenes ; but are still 
green in the memory of many of the older citizens who 
will read these names. Manv of them we are unable to 



*To locate the streams accurately, observe our section map at the head of tliis 
•hapter. 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 211 

learn much about, except that they were representative 
pioneer men, modest, unassuming, never aspiring to office, 
industi"ious, hardy and hospitable. Their names are 
doubtless written in the Lambs Book of Life, and are now 
found in the history of the county, to be handed down to 
the third and fourth generations, and remembered as the 
forerunners of a brighter civilization. There are doubtless 
others who might, with propriety-, be placed in the list ; 
but to name all would be tedious. 

First Election, etc. — At the first election held in Green 
in her original size, as shown on page 89, there were but 
nine votes cast. The election was held at the residence of 
Morgan McQiiary. The first election in Green after 
Brown was struck off was held at the residence of John 
Hanger. The votes were cast in a hat, and covered with 
a kerchief. We hear of no complaints and serious charges 
of stuffing the ballot-boxes in those primitive days. 

Historical Anecdote. — In June, 1833, Rev. Miles 
Walker, John Walker and Vincent Cooper, caught thirteen 
young wolves, about the size of a six months' cur dog, in 
the hollow of a log. They brought the scalps to Greenfield, 
and the county gave them a credit of fift}- cents per scalp 
on their taxes, and the state paid a reward of the same 
amount in money. Before they could avail themselves of 
the bounty of either state or county, however, they had to 
comply with the law requiring them to take an " iron-clad " 
oath that they had never raised a female wolf", nor owned 
a male dog part wolf, for the last ten years. The policy 
of this requirement was to prevent citizens raising wolves 
for their scalps, and the reward obtained therefor. Wolves 
were numerous at this early date, and ver\' destructive to 
sheep, and especially to lambs and pigs, insomuch that it 
was impossible to raise them without penning. 

A jFczu First T/ii)ig's. — The first preacher in Green 
township was Stephen Masters, one of the pioneer preach- 
ers of the county, who is reported iis the first and one of 
the first in all the north-western portions of the countv. 
The first teacher was Miss Eliza Moore. The first phvsi- 



212 HISTORY OP' IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 

cian was Paul Moore. The first death was that of Samuel 
Walker, buried at the Baptist church, in the west part of 
the township ; being the lirst burial also. The hrst road 
was the blazed route Irom Greenfield to Pendleton, the 
county-seat of Madison count}-. The first miller was 
George Mason. The first school was near Eden. The 
first church building was by the Baptists. The first church 
organization was by the Methodists. The first merchant 
was George Henry, father of Attorney Charles Henry, of 
Anderson. The first post-office was at Eden. The first 
tanners were Dudley Eakes and J. Price. 

Mills. — In 1835 George Mason had erected the first 
water-mill, grist and saw mill combined, in the township, 
located on Sujjar Creek, north-east of Eden. Indeed, it 
was the first mill of any kind in the township. 

In 1836 William Beeson erected the second water-mill 
in the tow-nship. It was located about two and one-half 
miles east of Eden, and cracked corn and scratched logs 
for several years. 

Subsequently Bragg & Guy built the first steam sash 
saw-mill in the township, near Eden. It was traded and 
sold several times, burned down in 1856, rebuilt by Sam- 
uel Archer, and finally moved away. 

Dr. Samuel A. Troy, in 1865, put in operation a circu- 
lar saw mill, three miles east of Eden, operated it for a 
time, and then sold to Trueblood & Barrett. Barrett sold 
to Walker, and the new firm, Trueblood & Walker, moved 
it on the Henry land, south-west of Eden. It was then 
run for a time bv Cooper & Roberts, and finally moved 
away. 

A steam saw-mill was operated on H. B. Wilson's farm, 
three miles east of Eden, for a few years. It was moved 
away about 1878. , 

About 1873, a steam saw-mill was set in operation at 
Milner's Corner, bv W^alton, Rule & Milner, which 
required about eighteen months to devour the saw timber in 
that \icinity, when it dejxirted. A steam saw-mill was built 
at Eden, by C. Mingle, about 1875, and is still in operation. 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 213 

Stephen V. Tucker erected a steam saw-mill at Mil- 
ner's Corner in 1880, which is still running. 

There are no factories nor flouring mills in the town- 
ship ; though there is a good opening for both, and espe- 
cially should the North and South railroad come through. 
as contemplated. 

I^oads. — Green township has twelve miles of toll pike, 
and ten miles the charter to which has been surrendered. 
The Greenfield and Pendleton pike extends across the 
township from north to south. There is a line extending 
from Eden to Warringotn ; one from Eden to McCords- 
ville ; another from Eden to Fortville ; and one from Eden 
to Milner's Corner. The last three lines do not extend to 
Eden directly, but intersect the North and South pike, 
near thereto, so that the several points mentioned are 
reached by pike. 

Green is the onh- township in the count}' without a rail- 
road, and she recentl}' voted $10,000 to the prospective 
Anderson and Shelbvville road, which, it is thouirht, will 
pass through Eden. 

Educaiional. — " 'Tis education forms the common 
mind ; as the twig is bent the tree is inclined.'' The first 
settlers, though void of a finished literary and classic edu- 
cation, and not even possessing the rudiments in many 
cases, yet they began early to give some attention to the 
education of their children, and small schools were sus- 
tained in the winter months in the more thicklv settled 
neighborhoods where enough children could be gotten 
together to constitute a school, and a teacher could be 
secured to teach the young idea to shoot at from twenty to 
forty dollars per quarter and "found," or "board round." 
Among the first "school-masters" and " school-marms " 
of this section were Miss Eliza Moore, a relative of the 
present resident Moores of tlie township ; George Henry, 
afterwards associate judge and representative ; David 
McKinsey, a faithful, efficient instructor for the time, but 
now among the unfortunates faring in the county infirmary ; 
and Sanford and Jehu Lewis, brother pedagogues. The 



214 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

lirst school-house was buiU in 1836, and located a short 
distance north-east ot" Eden. It was one of those primi- 
tive "educational institutions" made wholh^ of saplin<^s 
and split boards, without paint, putty, glass, iron, or mod- 
ern patent fixtures of any kind. Soon after this there was 
one of a similar kind in the north-east part of the township. 

Green, however, like other townships outside of Cen- 
ter, was opposed to the establishment of free schools. In 
the vote of the county on the free school question in 1848. 
she cast seventy-five votes for "free school" and ninety- 
one votes for " no school"; and in 1849 ^^^^ ^'^^'^^ stood, 
*'free school," forty-five; "no school," one hundred. 

The following table will show the names of the public 
.school-houses in Green and the present instructors : 

District No. i. . .New Hope Wilson Dobbins. 

District No. 2 . . . Cass J- H. Barrett. 

District No. 3. . Christ W. S. Porter. 

District No. 4. . .Walker's W. W. Stanley. 

District No. 5. . .Eden J. W. Ryckman. 

District No. 6. . .Ferrell Rena Wilson. 

District No. 7. . .Crane Pond. . . .Charles H. Shank. 

District No. 8. . .Michigan J. E. White. 

District No. 9. . .California Howard E. Barrett. 

District No. 10. . .Purdue Lafayette Trittipo. 

Green township has ten small frame school-houses, 
valued at, including grounds, furniture and outbuilding, 
$4,000. Her maps, charts, globes and other school appa- 
ratus are valued at $100. Total value of school property- 
in the township, $4,100. 

There has been a gradual, steady decline in the num- 
ber of school children in this township since 1853, the first 
enumeration. The enumeration for 1853 was 474; for 
i860, 406 ; for 1870, 388 ; for 1880, 384 ; and for 1881, 353 ; 
a decrease of 121 in the last twenty-eight years. 

Township Trustees. — The following list shows the 
names of the trustees and their date of appointment from 
1859, ^^ which time they were empowered by law to lev\- 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 21^ 

a local tuition tax, and the office assumed some ditrnitv 
and significance : 

Meredith Gosney 1859 Andrew H. Barrett 1869 

Edward Valentine 1S61 William L. McKinsey.. . . 1874 

Joseph Barrett 1865 Sidney Moore ". 1880 

Edward Valentine 1866 

Remarks : Meredith Gosney, who figures extensivelv 
in the early history of the township, was the first trustee 
under the improved school law. He held the office for 
two terms of one year each. Edward Valentine carried 
the township through the perilous times of the civil war, 
being four times elected. Andrew PI. Barrett was the 
first trustee who had the opportunit}' of voting for countv 
superintendent of schools. We have dipped salt with 
"Andy "' more than once. May he live long and prosper. 
William L. McKinsey held the office longer than any other 
trustee who has filled the place. Sidney Moore looks after 
the poor and pedagogues at this date. 

Churches. — This township, for reasons unknown to the 
writer, is not as bountifully supplied with good buildings 
especially dedicated to the worship of the author of all 
good as her sister townships ; but possibly what she lacks 
in numbers she makes up in the efficiencv of the few. 
Green reports three church buildings, viz. : Two Meth- 
odist Episcopal and one Christian. But it must be borne 
in mind that Green has no saloons or billiard halls, and, 
perhaps, less evil to counteract. 

Population and Poll. — An examination of the United 
States census reports for the past few decades shows a 
slow growth for a time, and recendy a decline in the pop- 
ulation. The report for 1850 gives her 1,019 souls; for 
i860, 1,076 ; for 1870, 1,177 ; ''^nd for 1880, 1,166 ; a growth 
in twenty years of one hundred and fifty-eight and then a 
decline in the last ten years of eleven, for which we are 
scarcely able to account, considering her steadv irrowth 
m wealth, good roads, and other improvements. But 



2l6 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

there is a great tendency among the young in this fast age 
to leave the monotony of the country and seek the town 
and city. The railroad enthusiast would make an argu- 
ment in favor of railroads out of the circumstance : and, 
indeed, it is rather a singular circumstance, if such it may 
be called, that the only township without a railroad should 
be the onlv one declining in population. The stickler for 
plain dress, rather than frivolous fashions, would say that 
it is owing to her having no dress-making establishments 
and milliner shops. The falling off in numbers seems not 
to have been among the men and boys for the last ten years. 
There was only a loss of four school children during the 
decade, while there was an increase of thirty-one taxable 
polls, the numbers standing thus : Taxable polls for 1870, 
190; for 1880, 221 ; and for 1881, 231 ; showing an increase 
of forty-one taxable polls in eleven years. But we will 
state the facts and figures, and leave the reader to draw 
his own conclusions. The polls in Green for 1840 were 
130; in 1850, 149; in i860, 178. 

Vo/c\ — Green township for i860 cast 184 votes ; for 
1870, 229; for 1880, 286; with a democratic majorty of 
fifty-four for 1880. The vote stood: Democratic, 170; 
republican, 116. The voting precinct is Eden. 

Value of Real and Pasonal Property. — Green town- 
ship is assessed on 19,194 acres of land, valued at $372,- 
iio, and improvements on the same valued at $101,050, 
being an average of about $25 per acre. Value of lots, 
$1,625; value of improvements on same, $9,120. Value 
of personal property, $129,670. Total value of taxables, 
$613,595. The total value of taxables for 1839 ^^''^^ $60,- 
930, less than one-tenth of the amount for 1881. 

Taxes. — Green township paid taxes to the amount of 
$599.19 in 1842, $836.18 in 1850, $3,465.52 in i860, 
$5,652.34 in 1870, and the levy for 1881, to be paid in 
1882, is $6,528.44 ; an examination of w^hich shows a rapid 
grow^th in taxation. The levy on each $100 is ninety-four 
cents. 

The following list shows the heavy tax-payers in Green 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 217 

township ; being a complete showing of those who will 
pay $40 taxes and upward in 1882 : 

Alford, John $ 41 38 Jarrctt, Xcri $ 63 78 

Alford, S. L 41 00 Keller, E. E 100 83 

Barrett, E. H 53 32 Keller, J. W 61 34 

Barrett, William, heirs 66 79 Keller, J. M 8315 

Barrett, Isaac S 54 95 McCarty, J. P 60 22 

Boots, Joseph 44 37 Mingle, Adam 43 ^9 

Barnard, R. Y 1:^2 43 Moore, P. J., heirs. ... 71 91 

Baity, D. H 64 03 Martindale, J. N 50 43 

Biilett, G. A 40 GO Olvey, L. D ^2 63 

Collins, William 47 72 Piper, J. M 58 86 

Crist, John 67 97 Ryon, J. S 4° 35 

Cupp, Peter 43 77 Roherts, Leander 9^* ^7 

Cass, James F 84 48 Smith, Jonathan 47 34 

Franks, M. L 61 69 Trueblood, J. M 44 39 

Franks. G. P 41 5 1 Troy, C. H 74 65 

Henry, Samuel 65 20 Wilson, H. B 82 69 

Hunt, Jehu 104 54 Wilson, Archibald. ... 62 90 

Jackson. John 55 57 ^^^ilson, William 70 06 

Lazv and Esqtiircs. — The policy of our law is to bring 
justice near the door of every man, to offer an opportunity 
for the convenient adjustment of petty grievances at the 
least possible expense to the people. For this purpose 
Indiana, following in the wake of the English custom, 
wisely embodied in her constitution a provision for the 
election in each township of a competent number of jus- 
tices of the peace, who shall continue in office four years. 
These officers are empowered to act in both a ministerial 
and judicial capacity. Miiiistcriallx. in preserving the 
peace, yudicially, as when he convicts for an offense. 
In the prosecution of said policy, the following men have 
tilled the otffce of justice of the peace for a time, being 
elected at the dates set opposite their names : 

John L. Alford 1^33 Miles Walker 1850 

Andrew J. Hatfield . Unknown Michael Copper 181^3 

John Furgason Unknown Wm. Cook. . . 1S58, 1862, i866 

15 



2l8 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Elijah S. Cooper. . . 1S41, 1S46 R. M. Fuqua 1863 

James Jones 1843 Isaac Barrett 1867 

\V. R. Ferrell, J. M. Truebloocl 

1846, 1855, 1859, 187S 1869, 1873, 1877 

John Price V. ...... 184S W. T. Hamilton . 1870 

M. M. Acldington 1848 William Collins 1880 

William Barrett. . . . 1849, 1854 

Remarks : John L. Altord was the first justice in the 
township. Twelve of the above number served one term 
each. Elijah S. Cooper and William Barrett filled the 
office for eight years each. William Cook and J. M. 
Trueblood were each three times elected. W. R. Ferrell, 
who was first elected thirty-five years ago, is now on his 
fourth term. Ferrell and William Collins preside at the 
scales of justice in the township at this date. About half 
of the above have bid adieu to earthly courts, to appear at 
the bar Divine before the Judge Supreme of all the earth. 

J^/rsi Busmcss. — The first business of this section was 
done at Pendleton, where the pioneers went to exchange 
their lurs, ginseng, venison, and porkers, for a few of the 
staple articles. For milling they went to Fall Creek. 
The first stores in the township were at Eden, a central 
point for the first settlements. Among the first merchants 
were George Henry, C. &J. Lewis, J. & E. McPherson, 
J. A. Alford, the "Squire," and Hiram Barrett. Later 
were Brandt & Fry and Barrett & Co. Very early in the 
history of the township Dudley Fakes run a tannery in the 
south-west part of the township, on Leander Roberts's 
farm. His vats consisted of large troughs made of walnut. 
Later John Price had a tannery in Eden. In 1850 Spea- 
gle carried on a blacksmith shop in the eastern part of the 
township. Jonathan Smith opened a store at Willow 
Branch in 1853, and was the first postmaster on the estab- 
lishing of the post-office in 1854. 

Physicians. — The first settlers of Green, in case of 
serious sickness, called for aid on the medical talent of 
Pendleton and Greenfield. The first resident physician 



GREEN TOWNSHIP, 219 

was Paul Moore, followed by William Loder, Jones & 
Edwards (the latter of whom is now holding forth in 
Greenheld), and J. J. Carter. 

Ex-County Officers. — This was the home of George 
Henry, associate judge, county surveyor, and representa- 
tive. Here lived Andrew T, Hatfield, representative : 
Elijah S. Cooper, county treasurer; Samuel Archer, 
sheriff; and Robison Jarrett, commissioner. Jonathan 
Smith, ex-commissioner, is still among the living. 

Prominent Families^ — This is the home of the Barretts, 
Ferrells, Mingles, Walkers, Robertses, Wilsons, Jarretts, 
Alfords, Coopers, Henrys, Moores, Crists, Troys, Collins, 
Kellers, Barnards, Franks, Cooks, Smiths, McKinseys, 
Bait\-s, Truebloods, McClarnons, and Olveys. 

Murders and Fatal Accidents. — In, or about, 1831, two 
men, who were from Madison county, camped out in the 
woods, and built a hre beside a dead tree, as a protection 
against the wolves, and retired for the night, during which 
the tree set on fire fell on one of them. The other built a 
, pen around him, to prevent his being devoured by the 
wolves, while he procured assistance to remove the log 
from the body. 

Michael Crist, father of John and George, was found 
dead in the public highway, near the Crist school-house, 
April 26, 1876. Aged eighty-five years. 

On the 8th of May, 1877, William Cook, Esquire, 
was found dead in the woods beside a log, near where he 
had been cutting wood. 

A boy by the name of Johnson was killed at the 
Cooper saw-mill, a few years since, by a saw-log rolling 
over him. 

The most foul, atrocious, diabolical and unnatural mur- 
der that we are called upon to record in the history of the 
county was perpetrated, on the night of June 7th, 1878, in 
Green township, on the persons of Mrs. Sarah Jane Wil- 
-son, aged forty-three years, widow of the late Woodford 
Wilson, and her little niece, Anaretta Cass, aged six years. 
'The strange, sad news of this atrocious double murder 



220 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



soon spread throughout the county, and before noon of the* 
next day hundreds of people could be seen rapidly making" 
their way to the sad scene, and surrounding the house 
were hundreds more, filled with anguish and anger at what 
had transpired. By whom and just how this scene was 
enacted, has never been legally determined. The plain 
facts in the case are about as follows : Mrs. Wilson and 




SAKAII JANE WII.SOX. 



her little niece lived alone on her farm, about two miles 
east of Eden. They were at peace with the world, having 
harmed no one, and anticipated no trouble or personal 
violence from anv bod}', and had only taken the usual pre- 
caution of locking the doors and windows, not deeming it 
necessary to go to the trouble and expense of having addi- 
tional company to stay with them of nights. Next morn- 
inuf Mrs. Wilson was found dead, Iving on her face on the 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 



22 I 



I 



floor in the sitting-room, in her night clothes, partially cov- 
ered with a thin comfort. Anaretta was found on the floor 
near the door of their bedroom, lying almost naked. The 
bodies were examined by good physicians, which devel- 
oped the fact that they had come to their deaths by stran- 
gulation from pressure of the thumb and Angers of the 
left hand of a man, the marks of the ends of the fingers 




ANARETTA CASS. 



being plainly visible on either side of the trachea. It is 
left to circumstantial evidence, theor}- and reason to deter- 
mine the cause and manner of this double -crime. It is 
supposed that the party, or parties, by some means gained 
entrance to the rear of the house, committed the rash act, 
and made his, or their, exit at the front door, breakinir a 
glass beside the door in passing out. The theory is sup- 
ported by the fact that the broken pieces of glass were 



222 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

found on the porch and none on the inside of the room. 
Considerable effort was made to discover the guilt}' parties, 
but to no avail. Time and eternity may develop the facts, 
but as yet it is shrouded in mystery. We only know that 
two innocent lives were violently and suddenly plunged 
into eternity by some hellish fiend in human form. Who 
can look at the portraits of the innocent ^'ictims, and con- 
template the atrocity of the crime, without feelings of 
holy indignation? 

Recapitulation. — Green township contains thirty sec- 
tions and 19,194 acres; has one mill stream, two smaller 
streams, one border county, four border townships, two 
steam saw-mills, ten school-houses, three church buildings, 
four churches, one lodge, one village, two post-offices, 
five pikes, one prospective railroad, 1,166 inhabitants, 353 
school children, 231 polls, 286 voters, $4,100 worth of 
school property, $131,260 worth of personal property, 
$9,115 w^orth of lots and improvements, $473,220 worth ot~ 
land and improvements, 177 male dogs, two (?) female 
dogs, $613,595 worth of taxable property, thirty-seven 
men who pay over $40 taxes each, fifteen ex-justices, two 
acting justices, six ex-trustees since 1859, ^^-^ ex-county 
officers, one living ex-county officer, a fertile soil, several 
hundred acres unditched, an abundance of saw timber, no 
want of rail timber ; a limited amount of fish, squirrels, 
quails and rabbits ; a healthful climate, three physicians, a 
republican trustee, no saloons, no billiard halls, a moral 
community, a declining population, an increasing valua- 
tion, and a democratic majority of eight}'. 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 



223 



CHAPTER XIV. 

GREEN TOWNSHIP CoutluHCd. 

Eden. 

The modern Eden, once known as Lewisburg, was 
laid out on the 21st of August, 1835, by — the records fail 
to show whom, but the older citizens say by Alford — and 
consisted of thirty-five lots. The first and only addition 
to this date was made by Levi Archer, on the 26th of 
April, 1871, with seventeen lots. It is a small village, on 
the south bank of Sugar Creek, near the center of the 
township, eight miles north of Greenfield and seven south 
of Pendleton, on the pike. It has one church, a district 
school, a pleasant location; a post-office, with mail tri- 
weekly, L. A. Riggs, postmaster ; and the following busi- 
ness men, to-wit : 



XTerchants — 

L. A. Riggs, 
Joseph Canohan. 

Painter and Carriage Maker 
E. P. Lawrence. 

Steam Saiv-Mill — 
B. F. Moore. 

Wagon JMakers — 
B. J. Jackson, 
A. H. Barrett. 

Boot and Shoe JMakers — 
Trueblood & Jarrett. 



Physicians — 

John A. Justice, 
W. A. Justice. 

Undertaker — 

J. M. Trueblood. 

Carpenter — 

A. J. Popink. 

Bla cks m ith s — 
A. J. Taylor, 
Henry Curtis, 
Green Osborn (a little east 
of town). 



Milner's Corner. 

The second post-ofllce in the township is known as Mil- 
ner's Corner, located in the central eastern part of the 
township, on the line between Green and Brown, It is 



224 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

about thirteen miles north-east of Greenfield, and derived 
its name from James Milner, in 1850. There has never 
been a plat of the place made and recorded, and, conse- 
quently, no additions. 

The first store at this point was kept by David McKin- 
sey, an ex school-teacher, followed by John Dawson, 
Henry Milner, Nimrod Davis, Joseph Decamp, Caldwell 
& Keller, William and Joseph Bills, S. A. Troy, Tague & 
Brother, and W. Vanzant. The present merchant is 
Charles H. Troy. The post-oflSce was established in 
1868 ; the first postmaster was Nimrod Davis ; the present 
•employee of Uncle Sam is Charles H. Troy. The pre- 
vious physicians were D. H. Myers, S. A. Tro}-, George 
Williams, and Charles Pratt; the present physician is S. 
A. Tro}^ The blacksmiths are Vandyke and Manning ; 
the wood-workmen are Josiah Long and Joel Manning. 
It has a steam saw-mill, owned b}- L. Tucker, previously 
mentioned ; capacity, five thousand feet per day ; employs 
four hands. Mail tri-weekl}^ 

Eden Chapel (M. E.) 

The first meetings of this order, in the early history of 
the township, were held near Eden, in the private dwell- 
ings of Blackburn, Thomas Dorson, Robert Walker, and 
Robison Jarrett. The first ministers were Stephen Mas- 
ters and James Vess. The first itinerant minister was 
Rev. Donaldson, followed by Revs. John Leach and 
Frank Richmond. In 1838, the society erected a log 
house at Eden, near where the present Irame stands, in 
the east part of town. Here it held forth till about i860, 
when it erected the present building, a commodious frame, 
at a cost of $1,500. It was dedicated by Rev. John 
McCart}-. Near by is a cemetery, where slumber many 
loved ones that have died in the faith, and arc now mem- 
bers of the church triumphant. The first burial here was 
Enos Jarrett. The present minister is Rev. John S. 
McCarty. The society is in a fiourishing condition. A 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 225 

very interesting rev-ival has recently been experienced, 
which has added a goodly number to the church roll. 
This charge formerly belonged to the Greenfield circuit, 
and was supplied by the Greenfield minister. 

Roberts Chapel. 

In an early day there was an M. E. church building 
and organization in the Roberts neighborhood, south-west 
of Eden, called the Roberts Chapel. The first members 
are dead. Some lost their zeal, others found it about as 
convenient to worship at other points, and the organization 
went down and the membership was scatterea. 

Regular Baptist Church. 

While the Methodists had the first society in this town- 
ship, the Baptists built the first church house. It was a 
small log, eighteen by twent}- feet, erected in 1830, and 
located one and one-half miles west of Eden, near the 
line between Green and Vernon townships. Elder Morgan 
McQuery organized the society, and preached there for 
several years, followed by Charles McCarty and others, 
when the organization moved to Vernon township. The 
old graveyard near by still remains to mark the place of 
the first church in Green township, as well as a number of 
the first burials. The first interment in this loneh^ spot 
was Samuel Walker. 

Lick Creek Christian Church 

is located in the north-west part of the township. Benja- 
min Legg, John II. Huston, Snodgrass, Joseph Winn and 
Lawson Fuqua were among the first members. Elders 
David Franklin and W. F. Ackman were for a time its 
ministers. Elder J. W. Ferrell preached there nineteen 
nights during a revival, and had nineteen accessions. 
The building is a good frame, the church is in a pros- 
perous condition, and a lively Sunday-school is sustained 



226 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



in connection with it. Several of the most prominent and 
influential persons of the vicinity are members of this 
church, and throw their influence on the side of truth, 
morality and Christianit}'. 

Dr. Joseph J. Carter 

was born in Green county. East Tennessee, March 7, 
1823. He came with his parents to Wayne county, Indi- 
ana, in 1829, thence to Madison county in 1830, when the 
countrv was new and the forests unbroken. There he 




labored on the farm with his father and brothers till he 
arrived at majority, when he be<^an the study of medicine at 
Pendleton, the county seat, with Dr. Thomas Jones. After 
takini^ a course of study, he located at Eden and began 
the practice of medicine with Dr. William S. Loder. As- 
piring to loftier attainments, and a fuller understanding of 
the abstruse mysteries of materia mcdica, he determined 
on a regular college course of reading and lectures, and 
consequently had the honor of graduating at the Cincin- 
nati Medical College in the spring of 1856. 

In i860, April i7tli, he was joined in marriage with 



GREEN TOWNSHIP. 227 

Miss Sarah J. Smith, with whom lie lived happily to the 
day of his death. He was a consistent member of the 
M. E. Church for more than forty years. During his long 
and extensive practice, he made hosts of friends and but 
few enemies. He was a man of noble impulses, generous 
and hospitable, in whom the people had the fullest confi- 
dence. He died on the 29th of January, 1879, ^^e^" ^ very 
short illness, in his fifty-sixth year, leaving the companion 
of his bosom and two promising boys to mourn his 
untimely death. 

In the death of Dr. Carter the community lost an 
attentive, skillful physician, the church a faithful member, 
and the famih' a kind husband and an indulgent father. 

His family now reside in Greenfield ; the boys are young 
men, the older of whom will graduate at the Indianapolis 
Medical College shortly. 

Eden Lodge, No. 477, F. A. M., 

was chartered May 26, 1874. The charter members were 
L. H. Riggs, E. S. Bragg, G. Morrison, A. H. True- 
blood, D. H. Alford, T. T. Barrett, Samuel Alford, J. W. 
Green, G. W. Hopkins, and A. W. Powell. The lodge 
has never been large, but is healthy and prosperous, with 
a present membership of twenty-four. The present officers 
are : D. H. Beaty, W. M. ; W. A. Justice, S. W. ; H. B. 
Wilson, J. W. ; A. H. Trueblood, S. D. ; John Crist, J. 
D. ; Isaac S. Barrett, Treasurer ; A. H. Barrett, Secretary ; 
J. W. Anderson, T^^ler ; Samuel Alford and J. M. True- 
blood, Stewards. Its meetings occur on Saturday even- 
ing on or before the full ot the moon of each month. 

Center Grove M. E. Church. 

In 1845, the Episcopal Methodists organized a class 
three miles east of Eden. Their meetings were held for 
a time at the Barrett scliool-house. As the society 
increased in strength and numbers, it determined on a 
place of worship under its own control, which resulted in 



228 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



the building,", in 1854. ^^^' '^ convenient frame, at a cost ot 
$1,200, which was recently fully repaired and put in good 
order, and dedicated by Rev. Frank Harding. The 
present preacher is Rev. II. Woolpert. They have reg- 
ular services. There is no graveyard in connection with 
the church property, but they use one located north, on 
the banks of Sugar Creek, where the mortal remains of 
the late lamented murdered Mrs. Wilson and her niece 
were buried. 

Dr. Samuel A. Trov 

was born at Batavia, Clermont county, Ohio, August 27, 
1827, and is, consequent! v, in his tifty-tifth year. He was 
left an orphan at the earlv age of ten years. The family 




being poor, he was at once thrown on his own resources. 
He learned the trade of cabinet-maker ; came to Ander- 
son, Madison county, in the spring of 1847 ; thence to 
New Columbus, where he continued to work at his trade ; 
and in April, 1849, was married to Elizabeth, daughter of 
Abner Corv. He then moved to York, in Delaware 
countv. where he began the studv of medicine with Dr. 



230 HISTORY OF HA>XOCK COUXTV. 

John Horn. His wife died shortly after, when he again 
moved to New Columbus, and continued his studies with 
Dr. Weyman. In 1854 ^^^ ^^^^^ '^ second time married : 
this time to Martha Manning. He then attended a course 
of lectures at the Cincinnati Eclectic Medical College ; 
then returned and located near Bunker Hill, this county; 
thence to Cleveland, where he formed a profitable partner- 
ship with Dr. Amos Bundy, which continued for five years : 
thence to his farm in Green township, where he practiced 
for several years. He was a candidate for representative 
before the democratic nominating convention in 1868, and 
was deteated bv the Hon. Noble Warrum bv three votes 
onl}-. In 1870 he moved to Fortville, and was the prime 
mover in organizing the Fortville band, which, in honor 
of its founder, was named the "Troy Band." While 
there he w'as in partnership wdth Drs. Stuart and Yancy. 
The Dr. is now located at Milner's Corner, where he has 
an extensive and lucrative practice. 

Eden Church (Baptist) 

was organized at the Crist school-house on the second 
Sunday in April, 187 1. On the day of organization, after 
praise and prayer by the brethren. Elder Gavin Morrison 
was chosen moderator, and G. W. Hopkins clerk. Elder 
M. Lummis, of Kentucky, aided in establishing this 
church. The following are the original members : G. W. 
and Henrietta Hopkins, Gavin Morrison and wafe, Wil- 
liam Lummis, S. F. Baker, Ira and Jane Shafer. This 
society has never been large, and consequent!}' unable to 
erect a place of worship of its own. It has had no reg- 
ular pastor for several years. 



T[). Line 



In Tp. 



CHAPTER XV. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP 



a w 



Tp. Line 



I 


6 


S 


4 


3 


2 


12 


7 


s 


9 


10 


II 


13 


iS 


17 


16 


'^ 


14 


24 


•9 


20 


21 


22 


23 


25 


30 


29 


2S 


27 


26 


36 


31 


32 


33 


34 


35 



17N. 



16 N 



Scale: Two miles to the inch, 

MAP OF JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING THE SECTIONS, TOWNSHIP AND RANGES OF WHICH IT IS COMPOSED. 

JVamc and Organization. — This township took its name 
from "Old Hickory," President of the United States, at 



232 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

the time of the formation of the township. It was organ- 
ized in 1831, at which time it was struck oft' from the 
north part of Blue-river, having its present southern 
boundary and extending to the Madison county line on the 
north, and consequently embodied the same territory now 
included in Jackson and Brown. In 1832 Green was 
tbrmed, embodying the territory now included in Brown 
and Green. In 1833 Brown was formed from the east 
part of Green. Hence, from 183 1 to 1832 Madison county 
formed the northern boundary of Jackson, and from 1832 
to 1833 Green formed said boundary. From 1833 to 1850 
Brown, Harrison and Green constituted said boundary. 
From 1850 to 1853 Worth and Harrison formed her north- 
ern boundary. Since 1853 there has been no change in 
her boundaries. 

Location^ J^oiDidivy, Size, cfc. — It is located in the 
central eastern part of the county, and is bounded on the 
north by Brown and Green townships, on the east by 
Henry county, on the south by Rush count}' and Blue- 
river township, and on the west by Center township. In 
extent it is six miles square, and hence contains thirty-six 
square miles. It lies in township sixteen north, and is in 
ranges seven and eight east, one tier of sections on the 
west being in range seven east and the remainder in eight 
east. The range line runs past Brown's Chapel, Leamon's 
Corner and Bunker Hill. 

Surface, Soil, Drainage, and Prodt:cfions. — The sur- 
face for the most part is quite level ; especialh' in the north- 
eastern, central southern, and central western portions. 
Alono; Six Mile, Nameless and Brandvwine creeks there 
are occasionally low banks, and a somewhat hilly and 
undulating surface for a short distance therefrom. 

The soil in the creek bottoms is a loose brown or black 
loam, rich and productive. On the level upland may be 
seen a limited soil with a subsoil of red or white cla}'-, 
excellent for grass and meadow and fair to good for the 
ordinary cereals. 

There has been considerable tile ditching put in by the 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 233 

enterprising farmers of this township since the close of the 
American civil war, by which no small amount of land 
has been greatly improved and reclaimed. 

The chief productions are stock and grain, viz. : Hogs, 
cattle, corn, wheat, horses, sheep, flaxseed, and oats ; to 
which may be added small quantities of potatoes, grass, 
hav, apples, butter, eggs, and chickens. In 1880, Jack- 
son township produced, on 4,050 acres, 72,905 bushels of 
wheat ; on 4,782 acres, 88,805 bushels of corn ; on 380 
acres, 7,600 bushels of oats ; and on 544 acres, 1,088 tons 
of ha}'. 

Streams. — Brand3'wine Creek enters the tow'nship on 
the north line, two and one-half miles east of the north- 
west corner, in section five, and runs south-west to near 
the center of section seven ; thence north-w^est about a 
mile ; thence in a south-west course, passing out of the 
township on the west line in section tw^elve, about one and 
one-fourth miles south of the north-west corner. 

Six Mile Creek enters the township on the east side, 
one mile south of the north-east corner, takes a general 
south course, passes on the w^est and near Charlottesville, 
and leaves the township near the south-west corner of 
section thirty-five. 

Nameless Creek rises in section sixteen, near the cen- 
ter of the tow^nship, runs south-west about three miles to 
the east side of section twenty-five ; thence south by south- 
east, passing out of the township one and a half miles 
east of the south-west corner. 

Willow Branch has onl}- one mile of its course in Jack- 
son, all found in section one, in the north-west corner, 
where it flows into Brandy wine. 

First Land Entry and Original Settlers. — The first land 
entered in Jackson township was by William Oldham, on 
the 20th of November, 1824, being the north-west quarter 
of the north-w'est quarter of section twenty-three, in town- 
ship sixteen north, in range eight east. The second entr\- 
was by Thomas Ramsey, on the 21st of Julv, 1825. 

Among the first settlers were William Oldham, John 
16 



234 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUXTV. 

Forts, John Catt, Bazil Meek, David Templeton, Samuel 
and John Dilhi, James and Benjamin Forts, ]Mr. Lackey, 
John and James Sample, Andrew Jackson, Santbrd Pritch- 
ard, Samuel Thompson, Absalom Davis, James Vanme- 
ter, James Bartlow, Henry Woods, David Longinaker, 
Valentine Slifer, John Magart, Thomas Ramsey, and John 
Shields. At a little later date came John Burris, Joseph 
Hall, John Thompson, J. P. Fole}', Jacob Slifer, John 
Parks, the Barretts, Hatfields, John Bevil, William Wolt\ 
Jacob Brooks, Richard Earles, Samuel Smith, and John 
Stephens. 

The naming of the above will call to the minds of 
manv of our readers fond recollections of earlier days, 
when the}' received the counsel and instruction of these 
hardy pioneers, most of whom have gone to the happy 
hunting grounds, no more to undergo the privations and 
hardships incident to pioneer life. They are gone, forever 
p'one ! No more their forms shall we behold I But their 
works live after them. They labored long and well, and 
we have entered into their labors. The}' sowed seed that 
shall bring forth fruit many years hence. Their children 
and children's children now rise up and call them blessed. 
Long may their names live fresh and green in the hearts 
of their legatees. 

A Fczv First Things. — The tirst church was b}' the New 
Lights : the tirst school teacher was Leartus Thomas : the 
first miller was John Forts ; the first landlady was Mrs. 
Landis, recently deceased ; Mr. Lackey sold the first 
whisky ; David Johnson was the first merchant : the first 
road was the old State road ; the first county road in the 
township was viewed by Daniel Priddy, David Heimer 
and Jacob Slifer ; Isaac Barrett, about 1840 and later, cul- 
tivated a nursery at Charlottesville, and later in the north- 
east part of Center township ; Abram Huntington had a 
blacksmith shop in the north-west part of the township 
prior to 1840, where he forged bolts in Vulcan style for 
several years. 

Mills and Factories. — The first water mill in Jackson 



JACKSON TowNsmr. 235 

township was built by Jolm Forts, in about the yeiir 1827, 
and located on Six Mile, one mile north of Charlottesville. 
It was a genuine "• corn cracker," of the primitive pattern. 

Some time prior to 1833, David Longinaker built a 
water sash saw-mill on Six Mile, about a mile abo\'e the 
Forts corn cracker. It was run b}' different parties, and 
finally had steam power attached. 

In about 1855, a steam sash saw-mill was put in opera- 
tion on Henderson McKown's farm, four miles north of 
Cleveland. It was run for several years, then moved on 
Joseph Iliggins' land, and was recently moved away. 

Walton &: Rule erected a steam circular saw-mill at 
Leamon's Corner, about the year i860. It was run for 
some time, then moved to Cleveland, afterward to Eden, 
where it is still in operation. 

James R. Bracken, afterwards captain of a compan^• 
from this county in the Mexican war, erected a tanner}' 
about a half mile north-west of the Pleasant Hill M. E. 
church, about the year 1844, where he made the leather 
for the farmers' " horse-hide collars," " dog-skin gloves " 
and *• cow-hide shoes," for a few^ years, when it went down. 

In 1869, T. L. Marsh & Draper erected a tile factory 
in the central western part of the township, which was 
run ibr a few years, when Marsh sold to Draper, who is 
still manufacturing. 

jRoads. — The first road in this township was an old trail 
extending across the new purchase, known at the time of 
the formation of the townshif) as the State Road, and later 
-on as the old State road, built many years prior to the 
National road, which was the second in the township. 
The third was called a county road, laid out in 1835, and 
extended from the Longinaker saw-mill, two miles north of 
Charlottesville, on the count}' line, to *Charleston, on Sugar 
Creek, in Green township, where Mrs. Wilson and niece 
are buried. This road was a continuation of a Henrv 



*In the early history of Hancock county, a town was laid out in Green township. 
just north of II. B. Wilson's farm, and named Charleston. Xo record Tvas ever made 
-of tlic plat, and the town was a failure. 



236 HISTORY OF IIANX'OCK COUNTY. 

county road, extending' tVom Knightstown to the said 
Longinaker saw-mill. Nearly all the roads in this part ot~ 
the state, prior to 1835, run from one business point to 
another, regardless of "land lines." None of the early 
roads corresponded with the cardinal points of the com- 
pass. As the settlements began to increase in number, 
short routes were blazed out to suit the convenience of the 
settlers. There are no toll pikes in the township at this 
date. There are fifteen miles of pike that have been 
returned to the districts, and their charters cancelled. We 
are unable to state just how much graveling has been done 
in working out the road taxes and personal privileges ; but 
considerable, we are assured. The National road passes 
through this township, a distance of six miles, no portion 
of which is graveled, and there is no other road in the 
county that so much needs it at this time. It is really an 
eyesore and a discredit to the county. If the road can not 
be built in any other wa}', we would suggest to the liberal 
citizens along the line its construction under the free gravel 
road law of March 3, 1877, as amended March i, 1881, 
which will exempt their land from taxation in purchasing'^ 
the toll roads of the countv, under the act concerning the 
purchase of toll roads, and providing for their mainte- 
nance as free roads, approved April 9, 1881. Her citizens 
will then have something of value to themselves, tangible 
and convenient in lieu of their money and taxes for tVee 
roads. 

Railroads. — The P., C. and St. L. has a line of six 
miles on the southern boundary of the township, on which 
the company has two stations, ^'iz. : Charlottesville and 
Cleveland. The I., B. and W. crosses the north-west 
corner of the township. Construction trains are passing' 
over the line, but no stations are yet established. 

Jidiicalioiial. — The first schools in this township were 
"pay schools," taught by itinerant school-masters, about 
the year 1833. They were not the most efiicient teach- 
ers by any means ; indeed, they made no claims to 
greater knowledge than was necessary to teach reading,^ 



238 HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY. 

writing, and ""ciphering to the double rule of three."* 
There were citizens of the township better qualified, that 
could have taught better schools tlian many of these tramp 
teachers, but the pay did not justify, and besides they were- 
not naturally so disposed ; and hence the grave responsi- 
bilit}' was shifted to the shoulders of the professionals, who- 
taught from Castle Garden to the Gulf. Schools were 
sustained but three months in a ^-ear, or a quarter of thir- 
teen weeks. As the township increased in numbers and 
wealth, the interest in education was found to keep pace, 
and schools were sustained for a greater length of time, at 
increased pay, which commanded better teachers. 

In the vote on the free school question in 1848, to 
decide whether the state should adopt a free school sys- 
tem, Jackson voted against the proposed change, her vote 
standing: " Free school," loi ; "no school," 114. But 
Jackson has the honor of being more progressive, on this, 
question especially, than the majority of her sister town- 
ships, as may be seen by comparing her vote in 1848 with 
that of said townships, and with her own in 1849, '^'^'l^ei^ 
she voted for the proposed system, her vote standing: 
"Free school," 108; "no school," 105; being one of the 
three that voted for free schools in the final vote in 1859. 
This township has two brick and ten frame school-houses, 
numbered, named, and supplied with teachers for the 
present school year, or term at least, as follows, to-wit : 

District No. I . . Conklin Sadie Homer. 

District No. 2 . . Simmons Ella Biissel. 

District No. 3. .Bunker Hill Lizzie G. Smitii. 

District No. 4. . Leanion's Corner .William AI. Lewis. 

District No. ^. .Center Ora Staley. 

District No. O. . Loudenback Fannie Pierce. 

District No. 7 ..Vddison J. P. Julian. 

r>w- . • . X- Q r'l 1 1 (Geor<j;e Wilson. 

District Ao. o. .Lleveland -^, /?. t^ . 

(Lynthia r ries. 

District Nt). 9. .Brown's Chapel. . Geor<je Burnett. 

District No. 10. . Extra No school. 

District No. 11.. Extra A. E. Lewis. 

\S. C. Staley. 



District No. 12. .Charlottesville 



/Jennie Willis. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 239 

These twelve houses are estimated to be worth $8,000, 
including the grounds, furniture and out-buildings. The 
apparatus is estimated at $100. Total value, $8,100. 
The above figures includes the Charlottesville house, 
which belongs to a company, and is estimated at $3,000. 
One of the serious needs of this township is more and bet- 
ter apparatus, and a fuller appreciation of the importance 
of the same by the school officers and teachers, that said 
apparatus may be properly cared for after it is purchased 
and placed in the buildings ; that the maps may not be 
taken for window curtains and the globes for foot-balls. 
Charlottesville for man}- years, and until recently, was a 
separate corporation for school purposes. 

School Trustees. — The following are the names of the 
trustees from the time the}' were empowered with author- 
itv to levy local taxes, and the office assumed some dignit}^ 
and importance to the people : 

Burd Lacy ^§59 J'^mes B. Clark 1S71 

David Priddy 1863 A. V. B. Sample 1S74 

Philip Stinger 1S67 Henderson McKown .... 1878 

George W. Williams 1869 James F. McClarnon 1880 

Remarks : Burd Lac}' and David Pridd}' held the 
office four terms each in succession. James B. Clark was 
the first trustee under the improved school law of 1873, 
and the first in the township that voted for county superin- 
tendent of schools. A. V. B. Sample filled the office for 
two terms of two years each. Philip Stinger, George 
Williams and Henderson McKown each served two years. 
James F. McClarnon looks after the poor, educational and 
financial interests of the township at this date. 

Cy/?^rc/^c5.— Jackson township has seven churches, rep- 
resenting five denominations, to-wit : Three Methodist 
Episcopal, one Protestant Methodist, a ^Missionary Bap- 
tist, a Christian, and one Friends ; a fuller account of which 
will appear further on. 

Population. — An examination of the census reports of 



240 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

this township for a few decades shows the followini;^, to-wit : 
Popuhition for 1850, 677. The popuhition of Worth 
township, the greater portion of which is now included in 
Jackson, was, for the same year, 718. We therefore con- 
clude that a fair estimate for the territory now included in 
the corporate limits of Jackson township would be 1,300 
for the year 1850. In i860, the reports give her 1,680; in 
1870, 1,849 ' ^^ 1880, 1,928. An examination of the above 
shows a steady, natin^al growth in population, which 
speaks well for the township as a whole. Charlottesville, 
in i860, had 190 souls ; in 1870, 414. Cleveland, in i860, 
had 112; in 1870, 118. We have no official report of 
either of these towns for 1880 separate and distinct from 
the total of the township ; but from personal knowledge 
would sa}' that the former has about held her own, while 
the latter has lost, and can not compare in numbers, wealth 
or appearance with her static quo ante bclluni. 

Polls and Vote. — The polls for Jackson in 1840 were 
176; in i860, 273; in 1880, 326; in 1881, 345. Her vote 
for 1840 was 178; for i860, 331 ; for 1870, 371 ; for 1880, 
445. Her last vote for President was as follows, to-wit: 
Republican*' 214 : democratic, 210 ; independent, 21. Jack- 
son has two voting precincts — one at Cleveland and the 
second at school-house No. 5. 

Value of Real and Personal Property. — This town- 
ship reports 22,170 acres of land assessed at $547,020. and 
improvements on the same valued at $74,505, being an 
average of about $28.00 per acre ; the personal property 
in Jackson, exclusive of Charlottesville, is valued at $220,- 
750; value of telegraph, $680; value of the P., C. and 
St. L. railway line in Jackson, $14,450 ; \'alue of lots, 
$985 ; value of improvements, $3,475 ; making a total 
valuation for taxation of $861,865, exclusive of Charlottes- 
ville, which is assessed on eighty-three acres of land 
valued at $2,320, with improvements on the same valued 
at $3,280: value of lots, $7,445 ; impro\-ements, $21,180; 
personal property, $55,315 : telegraph, $75 : railroad, 
$3 ■'785 ; total valuation, $93,400. The grand total valua- 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 24 1 

tion of real and personal property in Jackson, including 
Charlottesville, is $955,465 for 1881. 

Taxes. — Jackson township paid taxes to the amount of 
$953-97 ^^ 1840 on $157,204 worth of property, and 
$5,258.63 for i860 on $612,030 worth of property; for 
1870, $8,376.93 on $769,380 worth of property ; for 188 1 
she pays the sum of $8,514, including Charlottesville. Of 
this amount the following men are assessed $40 or more 
for 188 1, to be paid in 1882 : 

Addison, John $ 61 20 Shiinions, N. D $ 87 oS 

Braddock, Addle B. . . 9S 60 Shumoiis, J. S ^4 94 

Braddock, N. W 94 98 Smith, Anthony 98 84 

Boyer, Samuel 55 12 Scott, George 4° 58 

Barrett, Edward 54 3^ Scott, E. H 73 66 

Barrett. E. A 45 52 Scott, Robert 69 68 

Deny, Joel 43 26 Slifer, Jacob, Sen 44 80 

Earl, Elisha 83 80 Smith, Richard 1 1 1 12 

Evans, Joseph 51 50 Thomas, W. M 49 94 

Fort, Martin, heirs. .. . 42 60 Thomas, James, Sen . . 44 72 

Fort, C. H 72 38 Thomas, David 5 ^ 84 

Glasscock, John S^ S^ Thomas, L. B 5^ 38 

Loudenback, J. A. . . . 45 08 Vanderbark, J. W. . . . 45 32 

Loudenback, Henry.. 91 40 Vanmeter, James 45 12 

Low, J. D 44 64 Walker, ]\Icredith. . . . 109 80 

]McClarnon, David.. . . 61 52 Warrum, Noble 194 64 

Oldham, William 42 60 Williams, Wesley 175 40 

Rock, Charles 197 68 Williams, A. E. & C . . 4612 

Roland. Chapman. ... 41 28 Williams, S. F 64 02 

Simmons, J. B 316 60 Williams, Thomas. ... s6 74 

Simmons, W. II 84 78 

In Charlottes\'ille the following pay $40 and upwards : 
P. J. Bohn, $72.38; J. A. Craft, $122.82. Bohn and 
Craft have recently moved out of the corporation to their 
tarnis. 

The lew is eightN- cents on the $100 in both Jackson 
and Charlottesville. 

Lazi' (Dili I£squircs. — Jackson township has always been 



242 - HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

well supplied with justices, as the following array of 
names, with the date of election, will show : 

Basil Meek 1831 Ellison Addison 1S59 

Samuel Thompson. Unknown W. M. L. Cox i860 

David Templcton 1833 William Brooks 1862 

Robert McCorkle, Cyrus Leamon 1864, 1872 

1834. 1838, 1842, 1849, 1S5+ G. J. T. DiUa 1864 

Henry Kinder 1841 James McClarnon. 1865 

Edward Barrett 1845 J^^^" ^- Scott 1866 

James P. Foley 1846 G. W. Landis.. 1867, 1872, 1876 

G. Y. Atkinson 1848 Elijah C. Reeves. . . 1868, 1872 

John A. Craft 1849, 1856 Lafayette Stephens 1869 

John Stephens 1850 Ira Bevil 1870, 1874, 1S78 

Andrew Pauley .... 1855, i860 John W. Wales 1876 

Thomas M. Bidgood 1858 John E. Leamon 1880 

John Reeves 1859 William R. Williams 1880 

Remarks : The last two named persons are the present 
acting justices of the township. Basil Meek was the first 
justice in the township. Samuel Thompson, the date of 
whose election we have given " unknown,'' owing to there 
being no record of the matter, was most probably elected in 
183 1 or 1832. Robert McCorkle gave such general satis- 
taction to litiffants and those interested, that he was five 
times honored with the votes of his constituents. Ira Bevil 
and G. W. Landis were each three times clothed with judi- 
cial powers. John A. Craft, Andrew Pauley, Cyrus 
Leamon and Elijah C. Reeves were each three times called 
into the forum, and invested with legal authority to hear 
and try all causes over which such courts have jurisdiction. 
Many of the above have been solicited longer to preside, 
but declined in favor of private life, ''choosing rather to 
suder affliction with the people of God, than enjoy the 
pleasures of sin for a season." Perhaps, in listening so 
often to the gaseous, bombastic eflusions of the tyro in the 
legal fraternity, they had come to agree with Wirt, in his 
sentiment that " Thero is a great deal of law learning that 
is drv, dark, cold and rexolting ; an old feudal castle in 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 243 

perfect preservation." Or it may be that they too often 
have seen the verification of the old proverb: "Laws 
catch flies, but let hornets go free." 

Ex-Cotmty Officer's. — ^Jackson township has furnished a 
goodly number of brave men, willing to spend and be 
spent for their country's good. Here lived, in their day, 
the following representative men : Jacob Huntington, 
treasurer ; James P. Foley, representative ; Basil Meek, 
the third sheriff of the county ; Richard Williams and Jor- 
dan Lacy, commissioners. Among the living we call to 
mind, Noble Warrum, revenue collector and representa- 
tive ; John Addison, representative and commissioner ; John 
Barrett, treasurer in 1850 ; George W. Sample, sheriff in 
1872 by appointment; John R. Reeves, recorder in 1870 ; 
J. H. Landis, surveyor; John S. Lewis and Jacob Slifer, 
senior, commissioners. The majority of the county othcers 
of this township, in contrast with the most of her sister 
townships, are still living. Green has but one living ex- 
county officer. 

This is the home of several prominent families tliat 
have grown up with the township, and become fully identi- 
fied with her interests ; liberal, public spirited citizens, ever 
ready to encourage any enterprise tending to propagate 
truth and promote virtue. For a fair list of such citizens, 
to save, recording here, see our roll of patrons for Jackson 
township on the closing pages. 

Murders^ Suicides, and Ranarkahlc Deaths. — Under 
the above topic we have but little to add for this township, 
and we are glad of the fact. It is always a painful duty 
to be called upon to record such sudden, sad departures. 
Life is a treasure ; to live is sweet ; and that anv should 
adopt the beautiful meter, but false sentiment of Campbell, 
is sad : 

"Count o'er the joys thhic hours have seen ; 
Count o'er the days from an<^uish free ; 
And know, whatever thou liast l)een. 
'Tis s{;nietliin;4 better not to he."" 



244 



HISTORY OF HANXOCK COUNTY 



Better by far to adopt the sentiment of Milton, and abide 
our time in patience : 

*• Xor love thy life, nor hate ; but whilst thou livcst. 
Live well ; how lonti^, how short, permit to Heaven." 

Anthony Maxwell committed suicide by hangings, in 
tlie hollow between Cleveland and the railroad station, 
about the year 1833. He was a married man, aged thirty, 
very tall. He was buried at Gilboa. 

James Steele was killed in Januar}-, 1838, by the falling 
of a tree. 

In 1875, Frank Smith committed suicide by hanging, 
with a leather strap, in his barn. Cause unknown. 

William Guy, a brakeman on the P., C. and St. L. 
R. R., kicked a boy by the name of Weaver off the cars 
while in motion, at Charlottesville, which killed him. A 
trial was had at Greenfield, in which the brakeman came 
clear. 

Exports. — ^The chief exports of Jackson township are 
corn, wheat, hogs, cattle, horses, oats, potatoes, flaxseed, 
lumber, fruits, and the products of the hennery and dair\'. 

Synopsis. — Jackson township, a namesake of Andrew 
Jackson, the seventh president, organized in 1831, contains 
thirty-six sections, has four border townships and two 
border counties, one mill stream, three smaller streams, 
two railroads, eight miles of railroad line, two stations, ten 
frame school-houses, two brick school-houses, fourteen 
teachers, 1^8,000 invested in school-houses and $100 in 
apparatus, six hundred and fifty-eight school children, 
seven ex-trustees since 1859, seven church buildings, tive 
denominations, three political parties, three hundred and 
forty-five polls, a population of 1,928, four hundred and 
forty-five voters, two voting precincts, 22,254 '^^I'es of 
land, valued at $549,540; improvements worth $77,785: 
value of town lots, $8,430; yalue of improvements on 
them, $24,655 ; value of telegraph line, $755 ; value of 
railroads, $18,235 5 gi'^md total, $955,265 ; has one hundred 
and seventv-five male dogs, ten temale dogs, one tile fac- 



JACKSON TOWNSHII'. 245 

tory, no mills, two villages, two post-offices, fortv-four 
men who pay $40 or upwards of taxes, twenty-four ex- 
justices, two acting justices, thirteen ex-count}' officers, 
eight living ; fifteen miles of public pike, no toll pike, 
two express offices, two telegraph offices, a democratic 
trustee, a republican assessor, an increasing population, a 
fertile soil and enterprising inhabitants. 



CHAPTER XVI. 

JACKSON TOWNSHIP — Coutinucd. 

Charlottesville 

is located on the National road, eight miles east of Green- 
tield, on the east bank of Six Mile Creek. It is pleas- 
antly located in a beautiful country. It has about four 
hundred and hfty inhabitants. It has a good school- 
house, built by a compan}' at a cost of $3,500; a daily 
mail, telegraph and express offices, and other conveniences 
suitable to a town of its size. It vs^as laid out by David 
Templeton, and hied of record the first of June, 1830, 
with tifty-six lots. 

The first addition was made by James P. Foley, on the 
2ist of Febrvuuy, 1854,* "^^^ consisted of four blocks and 
fifty-eight lots, located south of the old plat. 

The second addition was made on the 8th of February, 
1869, by F. Smith, and consisted of twentj'-eight lots, 
located north of the old plat. 

The third addition was made by Frank Smith, on the 
8th day of February, 1869, known as his second addition, 
and consisted of five lots, located south of the National 
road and east of the old plat. 



*The dates given of the niakiiig of the various additions are tlic dates of record- 
iiijj, which completes the legal steps to constitute an addition. 



246 HISTOliY OK HANCOCK COUNTY. 

The fourth addition was made by Walker, on 

the 9th of February, 1869, and consisted of five lots, 
located in the north-west corner of the town. 

The tifth addition was made by Chandler, on 

the 8th of February, 1869, '^"^ consisted of four lots. 
located between the old town plat and the creek. 

The sixth addition was made by Watson, on 

the 8th of February', 1869, and consisted of nineteen lots. 
located east ol the old plat and Foley's addition. 

The seventh addition was made b}' Philip Stinger, on 
the lirst of March, 1869, and consisted of four lots, located 
east of the old plat and north of the National road. 

The eia'hth addition was made bv Earl, on the 

14th of June, 1869, and consisted of four blocks and 
twentv lots, known as Earl's first addition, located east of 
the old plat and Stinger's addition, and north of the 
National road. 

The ninth and last addition, known as Earl's second 
addition, was made by Earl, on the 9th of February, 1870. 
and consisted of three blocks, fifteen lots, and a school 
block, located east and adjoining his first addition. The 
present brick school-house is on this addition. 

The land from which Charlottesville was carved was 
entered by Josiah Vanmeter, The town was laid out in 
the woods by David Templeton, in 1830. The first to set- 
tle in Charlottesville was Michael Hendricks, moved from 
Henry county by Lewis Davis ; followed b}- Sibbetts, who 
kept the first tavern. Thomas Lackey kept the iirst 
saloon, or "grocery," as then termed. The following 
were among the general merchants from time to time: 
David Johnson, John Haers & 15ro., David Templeton. 
James P. Foley, Richard Probasco, William Thornburgh, 
Hutton &• Overman, Cyrus Overman, J. A. Craft, and P. 
J. Bohn. 

The first business houses and dwellings were small pole 
buildings, followed by more stately hewed log structures, 
in turn superseded by small frames after the location of 
the water-power saw-mills on Six Mile. Later still better 



248 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



houses, in harmony with the times and means of her 

citizens. 

At present a portion of the town extends over the line 

into Rush county, whicli forms two miles of the southern 

boundary of Jackson tow^nship. The railroad is on the 

line, or about so. The saw^-mill and the Friends church, 

though belonging to Charlottesyille, are in Rush county. 



BUSINESS DIRECTOR V OF CHAREOTTESYILLE. 



McrcJiants — 

Walker <& Conklin, 
Lafayette Griffith, 
Grass & Hatfield. 

Grocei's — 

Philip Stinger, 
W. H. H. Rock, 
John Roland. 

Grain Dealers — 

William Thornburgh, 
Enoch Pearson, 
J. E. Hatfield. 

Druggists — 

W. H. H. Rock, 
John Roland. 

Physicians — 

Daniel Grass, 
George Dailey, 
William Cox, 
Thomas B. Hammer, 
J. E. Wright. 

Wagon l\faker — 
Henry Kinder. 

Tinner — 

William Niles. 



SJi oe ni akc rs — 

Joseph Shultz, 
Jerry Goddard, 
Daniel Burk. 

J) lacks ni iths — 

Frederick & Hammer, 
John S. Thomas, 
W. M. L. Cox. 

Plasterers — 

Thomas Niles, 
Charles Niles. 
William Caldwell. 

Milliners — 

Adaline Owens, 
Achea Wilkison. 

Carpenters — 
James Pratt, 
William Rail, 
Madison Davis, 
Samuel Grass. 



Agricidtural I?np. Dealer— 
John S. Thomas. 

Livery-stable Proprietor — 
John T. Girty. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 249 

Hardzvarc Dealer — A'. R. Ao't and Operator — 

R. C. Nilcs. J. E^ Hatfield. 

Harness-Maker — Wheat Fan Manufacturer — 

John McGraw. Isaiah Rhoades. 

J/usic Dealer — Preachers — 

B. F. Stinger. Airs. Amy Fulghum, 



Rev. I. N. Rlioades. 



Postmaster — 

Joseph Shultz. 



Cleveland 

is located six miles east of Greenfield, on the National 
road, near the P., C. and St. L. R. R. It was laid out 
on the 8th of July, 1834, by E. Wood. The original plat 
consists of sixty-four lots. It was originally called Port- 
land, and went by that name till about 1855. 

Before the railroad was built, when the traveling was 
done by stage, and moving to the west and returning was 
by wagons, Portland was a thriving little place, which not 
only afforded accommodations for the weary traveler, but 
supplied a considerable scope of countr}- with the staple 
dry goods and groceries. For a number of years the 
Dayton and Indianapolis stage passed east and west daily 
through this little burg. And there were for several years 
two good-sized taverns in the place, one on either side 
of the road. Remnants of the same still remain as a 
memento of brighter da3's. 

We are in favor of railroads ; tliev are a blessinii' to anv 
country as a whole, but their tendency is toward central- 
ization, the building up of the cities, capitals and counts- 
seats, and the dwarfing of towns, taverns and travelers' 
inns; a verification of Christ's declaration that "To him 
that hath, more shall be given ; and to him that hath not, 
shall be taken away even that which he hath." 

Cleveland now has one good frame M. E. church 
building, a two-room frame district school-house, post- 
17 



250 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COIN'TV. 

office, express and telenranli otlices. and the followinLi 
business men : 

Mcrcha?iis — Grocer — 

j. E. Thomas & Bro. Miss Emma ^\. l>i(l<;(>()(l. 

Physicians — Carpenters — 

jM. M. Hess. Winilekl Lane. 

Dr. Trees. John II. Scott. 

BlacksviitJi — Waoou -Maker — 

Nathan M. Dugal. Rohert II. Ross. 

Painter — SJioe ajid Boot Maker — 

Joseph R. Kintler. Ira Bevil, Esq. 

Grain Dealer — Railroad Ag t aiid Operator— 

G. W. Hatfield. Oliver H. Reese. 

Post in i stress — 

Miss Emma A. Bid<roo(l. 



The saw-mill recenth' run at this place has been 
removed. 

Dr. S. A. Troy, of Milner's Corner, and Dr. Amos 
Bundy, deceased, once held forth as the physicians of this 
place. 

Leamon's Corner 

is the name of a post-office sustained lor a number of 
years in the central western portion of Jackson township. 
The office was discontinued in the summer of 1881. The 
name took its origin from the Leamun family, on whose 
lands the Lcamon school-house, the tirst in the township, 
and the post-office were built. There was never a plat, 
and consequently no additions to the place. For a few 
years past, and until recently, there was a small store, a 
saw-mill, a post-office and a blacksmith shop at Leamon's 
Corner; but they all served their day, and in time were 
moved away. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 25 I 

Jackson To\\'NSHir Schools. 

Tiie first school taught in this township, was by Rob- 
ert Santord, in a log house on the old State road, on the 
land now owned by Noble Warrum. James Loehr taught 
the second school in the township, in a house near the 
National road, on the land now owned bv Noble Warrum. 
The third school was taught by Robert Sanford, in a 
house on or near the National road on the land now owned 
by John Thompson. A school was taught in this same 
house by a man by the name of Goldsmith. 

The first house built in the township for school pur- 
poses was the Leamon school-house, which took its name 
from the fact of its being built on the lands of William 
Leamon. Edward R. Sample taught the first school that 
was taught in the house. As a compensation for his 
services, he received thirt}'-six dollars I'or a term of thir- 
teen weeks, he boarding himself. The house was a log 
structure, about eighteen b}- twenty-four feet, heated bv a 
huge fire-place, and lighted by a flight of oiled paper that 
extended along the entire south side of the buildino-. The 
ceiling and roof were made of clapboards, and the scholars 
using for seats the soft side of a lind sapling, split open, 
into which four pins were driven for legs. Several terms 
of school were taught in this house bv Burd Lacy, A. T. 
Hatfield, George W. Sample, William Sager and others, 
the wages never being more than from thirty to thirtv-six 
dollars for a term of thirteen weeks, the teacher eitlier 
boarding himself or boarding around among the scholars, 
which practice was ver}' common in those daA's. 

The next house built in the township for school pur- 
poses was on the south-east corner of the lands of Andrew 
Jackson, north of Charlottesville, on the banks of Six 
Mile creek. Jesse Leonard was one of the principal 
teachers at that point. 

The next house built in the township was about one 
mile north and one-fourth of a mile east of Cleveland, on 
ihe land now owned bv Elisha Earl. This house was 



252 HISTORY OF HANX'OCK COUNTY. 

called "Backwoods College/' being built right in a thick 
woods. Those most prominent in the building of this 
house were John Parkhurst, Abraham Craft and John 
Sample. It was a hewed log house, about twenty-four by 
twenty-eight feet, well lighted, and nicely ceiled overhead. 
This school was largely attended. John A. Craft taught 
the first school in the house, and was succeeded by James 
Sample, Thompson Allen, C. G. Sample, H. H. Ayres, 
and a man b}- the name of Miller, who, by the wa}', was 
quite a poet. 

The next school-house built in the township was in the 
town of Charlottesville, in the south-west part of the town, 
right on the steep banks of Six Mile Creek. I know but 
little of the earh^ pedagogues at this place. 

Before the free school law was passed, schools were 
taught in different parts of the township b}' Nathan Fish, 
Dr. Nichols, John Mclntire, li. H. Ayres, John H. Scott,. 
George W. Sample, Burd Lacy, George W. Hatfield, 
Milton Heath, Catharine Stephens, Penelope Heath and 
William Sager. 

When the free school law went into effect, David P. 
Pridd}', George W. Sample and William Leamon were 
elected first trustees, and they, together with Allen T. 
Hatfield as clerk, constituted the first board o*' township 
trustees. 

Under their administration the first nine houses were 
located. Soon after the location had been decided upon,. 
George W. Sample was appointed route agent on the 
P., C. and St. L. R. R., and resigned the ofiice of trustee 
to enter upon the duties of route agent. Elisha Earl was 
appointed to fill the vacancy, and the houses were built as 
the first board had located them. At the expiration of 
William Leamon's term of office, Daniel Crane was elected 
a member of the board of trustees. When the law was 
amended so as to have but one trustee, instead of three, 
J5urd Lacy was elected and served one or two terms. 
David P. Priddy was next elected for several terms in 
succession. He was in ofiice when the county treasurer's. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 253 

office was robbed, and had deposited in the safe a consid- 
erable amount of the common school and township funds, 
and this was also taken. Mr. Priddy made good the loss 
to the township. Right here I cannot forbear saying that, 
in my opinion, this was wrong. His successors in office, in 
their regular order, were Philip Stinger, George W. Wil- 
liams, James B. Clark, A. V. B. Sample, J. H. McKown 
and James F. McClarnon. 

School-house number ten, or extra, was built on the 
lands of George W. Sample, in the year 1859. ^- ^- ■^• 
Sample taught the first school in the house, and it was 
here that some of the best teachers in the township received 
their start. The Addison school-house was built a tew 
3-ears later, and was numbered seven, it taking the number 
of the Charlottesville school, Charlottesville having become 
an incorporated town, managing its own school fund. 

Number eleven, or the first brick house built in the 
township, was on the larm of Burd Lacy, and was erected 
by A. V. B. Sample during his term of office as trustee. 

The second brick, or Leamon's Corner school-house, 
was built by James F. McClarnon. J. H. McKown was 
the contractor on both houses, and thev are an honor to 
the township, and reflect much credit on the contractor. 

Among those who have figured largely as teachers in 
the common schools of this township are T. W. Hatfield, 
William M. Lewis, A. V. B. Sample, J. H. Landis, Dr. 
A. B. Bundy, J. N. Sample, A. E. Sample, E. W. Smith, 
Ancil Clark, E. A. Lewis, George Burnett, Channing 
Staley, Eva Brosius, George W. Williams, R. H. Warrum, 
Vint. A. Smith, Ed. Scott, Edwin Braddock, Wallace 
A. Simmons and John E. Leamon. A. V. B. Sample is 
the veteran teacher of the township, he ha\'ing taught a 
little more than one hundred months, and served three 
3'ears as school examiner of the county. 

The educational interest of the township is good, and 
our home teachers will compare favorablv with those of 
• any other township in the county or state. 

A. \'. B. Sample. 



254 history of ha^x'ock county. 

Pleasant Hill Church (M. E.) 

In 1835, Moses Braddock opened the doors of his 
dwelling to receive the itinerant ministry. During this; 
year Benjamin Cooper, a superannuated minister of the- 
Ohio conference, moved into the neighborhood and com- 
menced preacliing the gospel. In the same year came 
Alfred Thomas. In 1836, F. C. Holliday and John F. 
Truslow were preachers in charge of the Knightstown 
circuit, to which Pleasant Hill belonged at that time. In 
1837, ^' ^- Hibben and James Hill were ministers, dur- 
ing which time a small class of twelve members was. 
formed, viz. : Polly Burris, Margaret Braddock, Nancy 
Braddock, Barbar}- Braddock, Benjamin Cooper, Nanc}^ 
Cooper, Alfred Thomas, Jane Thomas, John M. Thomas, 
Matilda Thomas, and David and Marv Thomas. Alfred 
Thomas was the first steward and David Thomas the first 
class-leader. 

In 1838, the members and neighbors, by voluntary- 
labor, built a log house for the purpose of holding worship 
and school. This house was a rude aftair indeed. The 
seats were split poles, and the fireplace would take in 
wood six feet in length. Along the north side was a nar- 
row window, with oiled paper for light. In 1839, -^- -^• 
Berr}^ preached the first sermon in the house. Isaac Bar- 
rett taught the first school in the same. In 1840, George 
Havens and Greenley McLaughlin were on the afore- 
said circuit. In 1841, D. F. Straight and D. W. Bowls 
were appointed on the charge. At the close of this vear 
Pleasant Hill was placed on the Greenfield circuit. 

In 1852, under the pastorate of Rev. Francis M. Rich- 
mond, a new house was erected at a cost of $1,000. The 
house was dedicated by Rev. Richmond, the preacher in 
charge, a noble man of God. 

The first trustees were John Jones, George Fisk, Elisha 
Earls, John M. Thomas, and David Thomas. The pres- 
ent trustees are the said John JM. and I)a\id Thomas, 
Robert ISIcClarnon, Henry McComas, and L. B. l^homas.. 



256 HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY, 

The present preacher is I. N. Rhoades. A Sunday-school 
was opened in this church in 1839J ^Y I^'i"^'i<^^ Thomas, 
and has been kept up in the summer and fall ever since. 



Baptist and Nevv^ Light. 

In the early history of the township the Baptists held 
meetings regularly for a time in the north-west part of the 
township, at the house of Silas Huntington. The pastors 
were Revs. Dilla and Cunningham. 

About the same time the New Light society built a log 
meeting-house in the north-east part of the township, and 
held forth for several years. 

Both of these denominations have gone down, and we 
have been unable to get a full history thereof. 



Charlottesville M. E. Church. 

The first meetings by this society were held in a school- 
house just south of town, on the banks of Six Mile. The 
first class-meeting was in 1850. The preachers in charge 
at that time were Stout and Kinman. The present build- 
ing was erected in the year 1855, and services have been 
sustained ever since. The building is a good frame, and 
will seat three hundred and fifty persons. Some of the 
best citizens of Charlottesville belong to this branch of the 
church militant, and are willing workers in propagating 
truth and virtue. Present preacher, 1. N. Rhoades. Serv- 
ices semi-monthly. The present class-leaders are John T. 
Hatfield and A. T. Foley. 

The Methodists at this point were enterprising in Sun- 
day-school work, having organized a school about 1848, 
being prior to the establishment of a church. Tlie first 
superintendent was James P. Foley, followed in succession 
by Edward Raymond, John A. Craft, Anthonv Fort, 
Samuel Hall, Mr. Stanton, Asa Allison, Martin Fort, 
Henry Carroll, A. T. Foley, iVndrew Overton, Joseph 
Shultz, James B. vSparks, C\"rus 0\'erman, John T. Hat- 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 257 

field, and Thomas W. Hatfield. The present superintend- 
ent is John T. Hatfield. The school is in good condition, 
and regular and prompt in attendance. 

Charlottesville Meeting (Friends) 

was " set up " some time after the civil war. It is a branch 
of the Walnut Ridge Meeting, four miles south thereof. 
William Thornburgh, Joel Cox, Henry Bundy and John 
Taylor were earl}^ members, and still belong to the flock. 
Mrs. Amy Fulghum is the present preacher. The house is 
located in the south part of town, just across the railroad, 
and is, consequently, in Rush county ; but as the member- 
ship mostly reside in Charlottesville, and the church is 
really a part thereof, we think it proper to give it at least 
a passing notice. The house is a plain frame, capable of 
seating two hundred and fifty persons. The membership 
is not numerous nor wealthy, but pious and practical, and 
generally found in attendance not only on First Day, but 
at the "mid-week meetings." Some of the best temper- 
ance meetings ever held in Charlottesville were in this 
meeting-house. 

A Bible school was organized in this church cotem- 
porar}' with its establishment, which has been successfully 
sustained ever since. While the school does not have as 
much form as many others, it succeeds in doing solid work 
in a quiet wav. 

Six Mile Church (M. E.) 

was organized about the year 1838, and located two miles 
north of Charlottesville. The building was a small frame, 
which cost about seventy dollars in money and a hand- 
some donation in labor. It was dedicated by Rev. John 
Burt. The first preachers were said John Burt and Kelly, 
Havens, Beemer, McMahan, Statler, and Layton. The 
first members were Henry Woods and wife, Benjamin 
Fort and wife, Ann Probasco, William Oldham and wife, 
Rolla Ramsey and wife, James Lakin and wife, Isaac 



258 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Hill and wife, Reuben Loudenback and wife, Anthony 
Fort and wife, Andrew Jackson and James P. Foley and 
wives, and Miss Oldham, now Mrs. P. J. Bohn. 

This church has long since gone down, and the old 
building lias been removed ; but the old graveyard still 
remains to mark the place dear to many. Among the tirst 
burials here were Sarah Foley, daughter of John P. Foley ; 
John Bartlow and Mary E. I5ohn. Beneath the green 
grass and the encroaching wild briers of this lonely spot 
rest the mortal remains of several whose faces were once 
familiar to the older citizens. 

The hrst trustees of Six Mile church were Benjamin 
Fort, Rolla Ramsey, Andrew Jackson, Anthony Fort, 
and William Oldham. 

In an earlv day Henry Woods and James P. Fole\- 
became bitter enemies, and tinallv had a frightful light. 
Shorth' after which there was a protracted meeting held 
at a school-house, one mile north of Charlottesville, at 
which those two parties were in attendance, and were 
alike convicted and went to the mourners' bench. Neither 
knew that the other was there. At about the same time 
both were converted and professed religion. The two 
arose about the same time, and seeing each other, each 
embraced the other in his arms, both claiming to be in the 
wrong in their difficulty. From that dav until death these 
parties were warm, faithful friends, and members of the 
M. E. church, and died in the faith. 

Namei ESS Creek Christian Church 

was organized September 8, 1839, ^y Elders John Walker 
and Peter Reader, at the house of Daniel Priddy. Among 
the hrst members were Aaron Powell, Elizabeth Powell, 
Sisson Siddle, Lemuel Perrine, and Charlotte Tygart. 
The hrst clerk was Sisson Siddle. The hrst deacons, 
elected May 8, 1841, were Aaron Powell and Meredith 
Walker. The lirst elders, appointed in August, 1842, 
were Peter Furman, Jordon Lac\-, and Sanniel Smith. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. " 259 

The first house was erected in 1841, and known as Name- 
less Creek church. The second house was built in 1852, 
and was named "Union Meeting-house." Prior to the 
building of the church house, meetings were held at the 
private residences of Daniel Priddy, Peter Furman, and 
John Street. At this date there are about three hundred 
names on the church roll. David Franklin has been the 
regular minister ever since 1844. 

This church is located about three-fourths of a mile 
north of the center of the township, and school-house 
nurnber five, known as Center. 



Brown's Chapel (M. P). 

In the year 1838, the Revs. Joseph Williams, James 

Bedson, and Hannafield held a camp-meeting and 

organized a society in the neighborhood of Wesley Wil- 
liams's, in Jackson township. Soon after a log church 
was built and occupied with varied success till 1861, when 
the old log church became unfit for a place of meeting. 
Some of the members having moved away and others 
died, an organization was effected of the remaining num- 
ber by the Rev. D. S. Welling, in the school-house on 
Robert Smith's farm, who, with W^illiam Leamon, James 
M. Clark and William Williams, were elected trustees. 
Revs. Harvey Collins, Thomas Shipp and S. M. Lowden 
were among the successive pastors. In 1868, Thomas 
Shipp was again pastor, and Robert Smith, J. M. Clark, 
C. G. Sample, John N. Leamon and Peter Crider were 
the trustees. During this year the house of worship, 
known as Brown's Chapel, was built by J. B. Clark, and 
dedicated in October by George Brown, D. D. There has 
been a regular succession of pastors ever since. Rev. J. 
S. Sellers is the present preacher. Robert Smith, William 
Crider, Thomas Williams, W. Slifer and C. Gibbs are the 
trustees. This house is located one mile north of the 
National road, and a mile east of the west line of the town- 
ship, near school-hcnise number nine. 



26o HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Saudis Lodge, No. 253, F, A. M. 

The above-named lodge was organized under dispensa- 
tion, January 25, i860. The names of the charter members 
are as follows : John A. Craft, Richard Probasco, Joseph 
Loudenback, J. N. Chandler, Dr. A. B. Bundy, Ellison 
Williams, Thomas M. Bidgood, George W. Sample, John 
Shipman, John Thompson, Jr., William W. Thornburgh, 
Albert White, Joseph J. Butler, Joseph R. Hunt, John 
Hunt, Samuel B. Hill, Edward Butler, Temple Stewart, 
Andrew Pauley, Ambrose Miller, Thomas Conklin, S. A. 
Hall, C. E. Allison, William Cook, Joshua Moore and 
John Kiser. 

The dispensation authorized the foregoing Masons to 
meet in the town of Charlottesville, Indiana, in the second 
story of a building on the north side of Main street, the 
iirst stor}' of which was occupied by John A. Craft as a 
dry goods store. John A. Craft was the first worshipful 
master, Samuel B. Hill was the first senior warden, and 

C. E. Allison was the first junior warden. 

The lodge continued to meet and work under this dis- 
pensation until the 29th day of May, i860, when, at the 
annual communication of the grand lodge, a charter was 
granted, and Sardis Lodge, No. 253, was duly constituted, 
and took her place among the sister lodges of the state. 

For a number of years the lodge continued to meet and 
work in the room where it was first organized ; but when 
John A. Craft built his new business room on the south 
side of the street, a lodge room was fitted up in the second 
stor}' of it, and furnished in the very best of style, and the 
lodge changed to more comfortable quarters. Here it 
continued to meet and work until the 2nd day of June, A. 

D. 1878, when the building and ever3'thing pertaining to 
the lodge, except the records, was destroyed by fire. 

There being no room in the town that could be obtained, 
suitable for lodge purposes, and the membership feeling 
that they were unable to build, surrendered their charter 
on the 20th dav of December, 1878. to tiie most worship- 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 26 1 

fill grand master, Robert Van Valzah, who appointed 
A. V, B. Sample his special deputy to settle up the busi- 
ness of the lodge, and Sardis lodge became a thing of the 
past. 

Thomas B. Wilkinson was the first who applied for and 
received the degree of Masonry in this lodge, and Elijah 
C. Reeves and A. V. B. Sample were the next. 

Among those who filled the station of worshipful mas- 
ter in the lodge are John A. Craft, A. V. B. Sample, Jesse 
Leaky and I. B. Smith. 

From the issuing of the dispensation to the surrender- 
ing of the charter, this lodge never lost but two members 
by death, to-wit : Andrew Pauley and Thomas Conklin, 
both of whom were buried with masonic honors in the 
Simmons cemetery, one on the anniversary of St. John, 
the Baptist, and the other on the anniversary of St. John„ 
the Evangelist. 

Center Church (Friends), 

in Jackson township, was established in 1878. Meetings 
were first held at the school-house at Leamon's Corner. 
The building is a neat frame, erected in 1879, '^^ '^ ^^'^^ ^^ 
^^500. It is located in section twent3'-four, in the west part 
of the township. The first trustees were Joseph O. Bin- 
lord, Aaron White and John S. Lewis. Among those 
who have preached here are J. O. Binford, M. M. Bin- 
ford and Winbern Kearns. 

The society is young and small. The house will seat 
about two hundred persons. Ex-county commissioner 
John S. Lewis is a member of this organization. 

Missionary Union Baptist Church 

was organized July 19, 1852, at Pleasant Hill, about three 
miles north of Leamon's Corner. The first house of w^or- 
ship was erected about two miles east of the " corner," 
in 1856. The present house was erected in 1878. It 
stands about one mile west of the "corner." 



262 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

The church is in good condition, with a present mem- 
bersliip of one hundred and twenty-six. Within the past 
ten years six clergymen have officiated here, and 
ten within the last twenty years. The present minister is 
Elder W. K. Williams, who preaches once a month. A 
weekly prayer meeting has been sustained for over three 
years without cessation. 

The tirst pastor of the church was Elder Michael 
White, who acted as moderator at the time of its organi- 
zation. Elder A, Dana was present. Anthony C. Bram- 
mer was the first church clerk. 

Amonij the orifjinal members are the following : Wil- 
liam and Elizabeth Brammer, Samuel E. and Sarah 
Wilson, James Brammer, John O. and Julia A. Moore. 
John O. Moore is still living, and resides within a half 
mile of the church. 

The members of this organization sustain an interesting 
Sabbath-school, with an average attendance of fifty. Ben- 
jamin Clift, A. C. Dudding and S. W. Felt have officiated 
as superintendents, the latter of whom is the present 
incumbent. The school is in a prosperous condition. 



Hon. Noble War rum 

was born July 8, 1818, in Wa^me county, Indiana. When 
he was but a small boy, he moved with his father to Han- 
cock county, and settled on Blue River. At the early 
age of fourteen, Noble Warrum left home to embark in 
the busines of life, having nothing to rely upon but an 
undaunted energy, a spirit of enterprise — which he pos- 
sessed by nature — and a resolution to practice industry 
and frugalit3^ He selected agriculture as his pursuit, to 
which vocation he still adheres. His success as a farmer 
show that he must have exercised a discriminating judg- 
ment in directing his operations, and practiced habitual 
promptness in executing them. 

Mr. Warrum's educational advantages were very lim- 
ited. He attended only the old-fashioned log school- 



264 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

houses, and even that assistance was aftbrded him only 
for the space of nine months. Having from early age an 
ardent desire for knowledge, he seized all opportunities 
and improved every means of mental development, ;ind 
thus, by reading, by reflecting, and by the study of human 
nature, has been enabled to do much for the culture of a 
mind by nature strong and active. In the strictest sense, 
he may be said to be a self-made man. Eminently of a 
practical turn of mind, he has never made any department 
of literature a special study. 

During his whole life Mr. Warrum has been a resident 
of Hancock county. In 1839, ^^^ ^^''^^ appointed county 
collector, an office now substituted by that of county treas- 
urer. He received this appointment from the county com- 
missioners before he was of age, and entered upon its 
duties in 1840, when bareh' eligible. At the expiration of 
the four years' term of office, he was elected county 
assessor by a large majorit}'. In i860, he received the 
unanimous nomination of his party for representative of 
the county to the legislature, and was elected by about 
one hundred majority over the part}' vote. Since then he 
has served two terms in the same responsible position. 
As a representative, he was not only watchful and atten- 
tive to the interests of his own constituents, but always 
evinced an earnest desire to promote those of the state at 
lar<je. He won the confidence and esteem of his constitu- 
ents by his fidelity ; and his sound judgment, conservative 
views, and independent disposition, made him a valuable 
representative. Since 1856, Mr. W. has been connected 
with the Masonic fraternity. His religious belief is the 
universal salvation. In politics he has always been a dem- 
ocrat of the Jefferson and Jackson school. 

Mr. Warrum has married three times. First, to Miss 
Rosa Ann, daughter of Richard Williams, of Hancock 
county, Indiana, February 16, 1842. Mrs. Warrum died 
August 27, 1862, leaving one son, Richard H. Warrum. 
In April, 1863, he married Miss Maria A. Wood, daugh- 
ter of Rev. Wytteel A. Wood, an emigrant from Virginia. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 265 

She died December 27, 1873, leaving three sons, Noble, 
Henry and Mack, and one daughter, Rosa Ann. On 
December 19, 1877, ^^^ married Miss Mary Jane, daughter 
of Abner Cor}-, late of Madison county. 

In stature, Mr. Warrum is a litde above the medium 
size. He possesses a strong constitution, cheerful and 
vivacious spirits, and a kind and hospitable disposition. 



John Addison, 

commissioner of Hancock county, was born in Preble 
count}', Ohio, January 22, 1820. He is the son of John 
and Sarah Addison, formerly of Randolph countv. North 
Carolina. His father removed to Indiana in 1827, and 
located in Rush county, where young Addison labored 
with untiring zeal in clearing the forests and tilling the 
soil. During the whiter he attended the common schools 
of the county, where he obtained the only schooling he 
ever enjoyed. He remained with his parents until lie was 
twenty-one years of age, when he was married ; and 
receiving the gift of a small tract of land from his father, 
he moved on it and began his exertions for an independent 
living. On January 17, 1854, he removed trom Rush to 
Hancock county, and purchased a farm in Jackson town- 
ship, where he now resides. In the autumn of 1861 he 
was elected treasurer of Hancock count\% a position in 
which he distinguished himself by efficient and careful 
attention to his duties. In 1868, he was again called to 
the duties of official lite, being chosen a representative to 
the state legislature. Again, in the fall of 1874 he was 
placed on the board of county commissioners, and served 
as such for six years. 

Mr. Addison has always contributed liberally to the 
various public enterprises of his county. He aids and 
encourages county and district fairs, and takes great inter- 
est in improvements in stock raising and agriculture. He 
has been a faithful member of the Christian church since 
18 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 267 

1840. He is now, and al\v;u-s has been, a steadfast dem- 
ocrat, casting his tirst presidential vote for James K. Polk. 
He was first married to Miss Nancy Hall, davighter of 
Curtis Hall, of Henry count}', Indiana, on the 13th of 
February, 1840. She died November 24, 1866, and he 
was married the second time to Miss Ellen Jane Coltrain, 
of Henr}' county, Indiana, on the 9th day of January, 
186S. He is the father of ten children — nine by his first 
wife and one by his second. Mr. A. is now enjoying pri- 
vate life on his farm in Jackson township. 

Wesley Williams 

was born in Indiana Territorv, in what is now Franklin 
countv, in 1811, May 12th. In the following 3'ear he 
removed with his parents, Joseph II. and Charity Williams, 
to Wavne county, Indiana, where he was raised. Mr. W. 
was converted and joined the M. E. Church at the early age 
of fifteen, and has been a faithful, consistent member ever 
since ; a greater portion of which time he has been a class- 
leader, and always a faithful worker in the cause of the 
church and Christianity. 

He was married in the year 1834 ^^ Catharine Harden, 
who is also a consistent member of the same religious 
denomination. 

In 1837, ^f^'- Williams, with his wife and one child, 
moved to Jackson township, and settled in the woods in a 
log cabin ; stuck a pole in a hollow stump, to which he tied 
his horses, having no other stable for two months. Here 
he worked hard and lived hard to secure a starting point, 
and by patient industry and strict economy, he has gained 
a competence amply sufficient to support him and the wife 
of his bosom in their declining years ; indeed, Mr. W. is 
one of the heavy tax-payers of the township, as a reference 
to our list will show. 

To Mr. W. were born eight children, five of whom are 
living, married and doing well. See his portrait in another 
part of this book. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 269 

Philip J. Bohn 

was born in Adams county, Pennsylvania. His parents 
were of German ancestry-. He came to Indiana in the 
spring of 1839, '^"^ during the following fall came to 
Charlottesville. At the age of eighteen years, he entered 
ii shop as an apprentice in the carriage and wagon making 
Ijusiness. He next engaged in carpentering for a season. 
In the year 1863, he began the dry goods business in 
C^harlottesville, and for full eighteen years he occupied the 
same room at the same business. Sixteen years of this 
time he was sole proprietor. On the 4th of February, 
1881, he sold out his stock of goods to Messrs. Walker & 
Conklin, the present proprietors. Mr. Bohn has lately 
moved out on his farm, just west of town, and erected a 
handsome two-story frame dwelling, where he proposes to 
look after his farming interests, and spend the remainder of 
his days in the quiet, healthful seclusion of rural pursuits. 

In 1856, Mr. Bohn was married to a daughter of Wil- 
liam Oldham, one of the first settlers, with whom he is 
-Still happily living. 

Charlottesville Lodge, No. 277, I. O. O. F., 

was instituted January 3, 1867, by E. H. Barry, at Char- 
lottesville, Indiana. Amonjj the charter members were: 
John R. Johnson, Joseph Evans, Drure Holt, W. S.John- 
son, Abraham Miller, W. S. Hill, Thompson B. Burtch, 
R. B. White and George Chandler. 

The present officers are : Lee M. Rock, N. G. ; John 
T. Hatfield, V. G. ;J. E. Hatfield, Secretary ;John Thomas, 
Treasurer ; James Pratt, permanent Secretary ; Thomas 
E. Niles, D. D. M. G. 

This lodge is financially in good circumstances, owning 
ii hall of its own, over Roland's drug store, where the 
members meet each Saturday evening. The lodge is out 
of debt, and its property is worth $1,000. Present mem- 
"bership, thirty-three. 



270 history of hancock county. 

Mrs. Mary Landis 

was born in Warren county, Ohio, in 1802. She was; 
married the first time in 1825, in Fayette county, and in 
March, 1830, came to Charlottesville, being one of the- 
first settlers in the place. Mrs. Landis and her first hus- 
band kept the first "tavern" in Charlottesville for the 
accommodation of the traveling public. The moving 
westward at that time, and for several succeeding years, 
was so great that Mrs. Landis in one instance counted 
ninety wagons — prairie schooners — in sight at one time. 
Often hundreds passed by daily. 

In 1834, Mrs. L. was left a widow, and went to Lafay- 
ette to reside with some relations, where she met George 
W. Landis, to whom she was married in 1836. The two 
made one soon came to Charlottesville, and at once set 
about erecting the building for an inn, in which Mrs. Lan- 
dis recently died. 

In 1870, Mr. Landis died, since which time, to the date 
of her death, she resided at the old stand with her only 
boys. Esquire George W. Landis, and J. H. Landis, ex- 
county surveyor. Mrs. Landis was for a time a member 
of the Lutheran church in Charlottesville, till it went down. 
She then joined the M. E. Church. 

Mrs. Landis was truly one of the pioneer women, and 
in her declining years took great pleasure in reiterating 
early reminiscences of Charlottesville and vicinity. Mrs. 
L. was well acquainted with David Templeton, who laid 
out Charlottesville ; with William Oldham, still living, who 
entered the first land in the township. Also, with Charles 
White, Andrew Jackson, William Woods ct al. of the 
early settlers previously mentioned. 

Mrs. Landis's sons, G. W. and J. II., arc the oldest 
native-born residents in Charlottesville. 

On the 9th day of January, 1882, Mrs. L. was called 
from works to rewards, and her mortal remains quietly 
repose in the old Six Mile cemetery. 



JACKSON TOWNSHIP. 27 1 

John A. Craft 

was born in Trumbull county, Ohio, September i, 1824. 
At the age of twelve he came to Hancock county, and 
located in Jackson township, where he has since resided. 
Young Cralt, at the age of twenty, learned the trade of 
plane maker of Peter Probasco, father of Henry Pro- 
basco, of Cincinnati, at which business he worked in said 
city during the years of 1846 and 1847, after which he 
came to Charlottesville and carried on the same business 
in the building which then stood on the ground now occu- 
pied by the Craft store. In 1857, Mr. Craft left Char- 
lottesville and located on his farm, a short distance north ; 
but not succeeding as he desired, and health failing, he 
returned in 1864 and became a member of the firm of 
Rock, Morris & Craft, dealers in dry goods and groceries. 
In 1849, ^^'' ^- ^^''^^ married to Miss Eliza A. Fries, 
daucfhter of the late Daniel Fries. During the rebellion 
Mr. C. entered the Union army, was promoted to captain, 
and served with credit to himself and covmtry until his 
health failed, when he returned home, and for months was 
not expected to live. Mr. C. and wife have a family of 
two girls and a boy to cheer them along the journey of 
life. For several years he was justice of the peace, and 
has ever been a staunch republican and good citizen. 
In the fall of 1881 Mr. C. retired from business and moved 
on his farm, where he is now enjoying the quiet seclusion 
and healthful duties of rural pursuits. 



John F. Shultz, 

postmaster in Charlottesville, was born in York county, 
Pennsylvania, December 25, 1825. His ancestors were 
of Dutch extraction. Mr. S. came to Charlottesville in 
1857, where he has since resided. He is a boot and shoe 
maker by trade, and for a number of years has followed 
that business. The building in which the post-oflice is 



272 HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY. 

located, and in which Mr. Shidtz has his shop, was built 
by him in 1859. 

Mr. S. has been twice married. First, to Margaret 
Dungan, in 1858, by whom he had three children, none of 
whom are living. The second time to Miss Margaret 
Brown, in 1878. Mrs. Shultz is well-known in Green- 
field as Miss Maggie Brown, a former teacher in the 
Greenfield graded schools under the superintendency of 
the writer. 

Mr. Shultz is a consistent member of the M. E. church, 
a Mason in good standing, and an unwavering republican. 

Meredith Walker. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Wilkes county, 
North Carolina, December 10, 1814. He moved with his 
father to Rush county, Indiana, at the age of fifteen, 
where he lived until the year 1837, ^^ which time he moved 
to Jackson township, this county, where he resided until 
the date of his death, which occurred on the loth day of 
January, 1882, at the age of sixty-seven. In early life 
Mr. W. became a member of the Christian Church, and 
continued a consistent member the remainder of his life. 
Having carried a clear conscience void of offense to God 
and man, he expressed his willingness to die, and said he 
had no fears of death. Mr. W. was a republican till the 
later years of his life, when he became an independent. 
He was an industrious, progressive farmer, and succeeded 
in amassing a handsome amount of property. Physically, 
he was a large, square built, robust, broad-shouldered 
man, with dark eyes and hair, high cheek bones, and a 
firm countenance, denoting a power and will to act. 



CHAPTER XVII. 

SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



Tp. Line 



InTp. 



Tp. Line 



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rt 



Scale: Ttuo miles to the inch. 

MAP OF SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING THE SECTIONS, TOWNSHIP AND RANGES OF WHICH IT IS COMPOSED. 

^atnc and Organization. — This township took its name 
from Sugar Creek, the principal stream in the township. 



274 HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY. 

It war> organized in 1828, at the date of the organization 
of the county, being one of the three original townships, 
and at that date included all the western portion of the 
county that now constitutes the third commissioner's dis- 
trict, viz. : Sugar-creek, Buck-creek and Vernon. In 
1831, it was reduced in size to thirty-six sections, its pres- 
ent dimensions. In 1838, it was still further reduced by 
striking off two sections from the north part, which consti- 
tuted the south half of Jones township from 1838 to 1853. 
In 1853, the commissioners abolished Jones township, and 
Sugar-creek again resumed her former size of thirty-six 
sections, which size and outline she has retained to this 
date. 

Location^ Size, Boimdarics, etc. — Sugar-creek town- 
ship is located in the south-west part of the county, and in 
extent is six miles square, being uniform in size with Jack- 
son and Buck-creek townships. It is bounded on the north 
b}' Buck-creek, on the east by Center and Brandywine, 
on the south by Shelby county, and on the west by Marion 
county. It is located in township fifteen north, and in 
ranijes five and six east. The west two tiers of sections 
are in range five east, and the remainder in range six 
east. The range line runs one and a half miles west of 
Palestine, and forms the east line of the Schramm farm, 
and the west line of Rev. W. Nichols's farm. 

Surface, So//, Drainage a)id Productions. — The surface 
is level and slightly rolling, except along Sugar Creek, 
which is hilly and broken. The soil is generally black 
loam, exceedingly fertile and exhaustless in resources. 
At this date there is really no third-rate land in the town- 
ship, and but a limited portion of second-rate, since it has 
been so thoroughly ditched. No other township in the 
county has given so much attention to drainage as Sugar- 
creek. Lonjj before tile ditchinij was thouirht of in Hancock 
county, the enterprising, industrious German farmers of 
this township had elevated their farms from two to five feet 
by sinking blind wooden ditches and large open ditches 
through most of the low, black lands ; and since the intro- 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 275 

duction of tile, these same close calculating, practical 
farmers, have not been behind in their use. The chief 
productions are corn, wheat, hogs, cattle, barley, oats, flax- 
seed, horses, and Irish potatoes. Sugar-creek produces 
more barley than all the rest of the county. 

This township gives especial attention to wheat, and 
has a greater per cent, of its lands thus cultivated than 
any other township in the county, and her average per 
acre is equal to the best. In 1880, from 5,443 acres, she 
produced 97,974 bushels of wheat ; from 4,530 acres she 
produced 145,670 bushels of corn ; from 816 acres, she 
produced 16,320 bushels of oats. The same year she 
reports 501 tons of hay and 2,900 bushels of Irish potatoes, 
being the poorest report for hay, and the best of Irish 
potatoes in the county. 

Streams. — Sugar Creek enters the township near the 
north-east corner, on the north line, and runs west of Phil- 
adelphia and east of Palestine, passing out of the township 
near the south-west corner of section thirty-two, on the 
central southern line. 

Buck Creek enters the township a half mile east of the 
north-west corner, and takes a south by south-west course, 
passing out on the west line, one and one-fourth miles west 
of the north-west corner. 

First Land Entries and First Settlers. — The first land 
entry in Sugar-creek township was by George Worthing- 
ton, on the i8th day of January, 1822, being the north 
half of the north-east quarter, and the north-west quarter 
of section three, in township fifteen north, in range six 
east. The second entry was made by Jacob Murnan, in 
1823. 

Among the first settlers were Jacob Jones, Amos Dick- 
ison, Jonathan Evans, Samuel Cones, Jacob Murnan, 
George Williams, Thomas and Richard Leachman, George 
Robison, Reuben Barnard, father of William C. Barnard; 
David McNamee, Benjamin McNamee's father ; Andrew 
Magahey, John Delany, William True, J. A. Leonard, 
John D\-e, Mr. Weston, Jacob Schramm, Albert Lange, 



276 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Mr. Heftermeier, Andrew Fink, Anton Wishmeier, Anton 
Kirkhot^', Christian Schildmeier, A. and J. Hudson, Wil- 
liam Brown, Mr. Trevis, and many others. 

The reading of the above names will call to mind in a 
number of our readers, many who have long since bid 
farewell to mortal scenes, and entered upon an inheritance 
"•immortal, incorruptible, and that fadeth not away." 
Personall}- we knew but few of them, and have been 
unable to write a sketch of each, but we are assured upon 
good authority that all of them are worth}' of the notice 
given, being modest, unassuming, practical pioneer men, 
seldom aspiring to office or honors, but ever industrious, 
hardy and hospitable. Others there mav be equal)}' 
worthy, whose names are not found here, owing to the 
frailty of the memory of man ; but if such be the case, let 
their friends rest assured that in that great, unerring, una- 
bridged history, kept by the recording angel, in which is 
recorded all the acts of mankind, their names will be 
found written in perfect order. 

A Fcu) First Things. — The lirst church was the M. E. ; 
the first teachers, Samuel Valentine and Eliza Barnard ; 
first preacher. Rev. Hawes ; first physician. Dr. Kellogg; 
first miller, Stephen Bellus ; first merchant, John Delany ; 
first grocer, Amos Dickison ; first post-office. Sugar Creek, 
at Palestine ; first postmaster, Amos Dickison ; first black- 
smith, Reuben Barnard ; first school, near Palestine ; first 
tanner, John E. Bailey ; first roads, Brookville and old 
State roads ; first death, Mr. Mattox ; first railroad, the 
Indiana Central ; first village, Philadelphia. 

Historical Anecdote : The said John Delaney sold 
goods in the south-west part of the township, on the 
Brookville State road. He sold his goods at a good profit. 
When asked what per cent, he made, he replied that he 
was not a scholar, and knew nothing about per cent. ; but 
when he bought goods for one dollar and sold them for 
two, he didn't think he lost anvthing. 

Afilh (Did Factories. — The first mill in the township was 
a small water mill, erected some time prior to 1S28, b\' 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP 



277 



Stephen Belliis, on Sugar Creek, about two miles north of 
Palestine. It was both a grist and saw mill in a small 
way, and continued in operation, passing through several 
hands, till about 1872, when the dam washed out and the 
mill went down. Among those who owned this first mill 
after Bellus sold out were Amos Dickison, Mvron Brown, 
Uriah Emmons, George Kingery and Lewis Burke. 
Burke died, and his heirs run the mill for a few years, till 
it met with the fate aforesaid, and succumbed to the ele- 
ments. 

In 1832, Black & Bro. erected the second water mill in 
the township. It was a small saw-mill, located on Sugar 
Creek, about one mile south of Philadelphia. It run for a 
number of years. 

Lewis Burke, in an early day, erected a water saw-mill 
on Sugar Creek, north by north-east of Palestine, and 
below the Bellus mill. The Burke mill is still in operation. 
It is a saw-mill, and unlike most ear]\' water mills, never 
did any grinding. 

In about 1850, Kelley & Bro. erected thj first steam 
saw-mill in the township. It was located about a mile 
west of Philadelphia, and run for a few \-ears. then moved 
aw a}'. 

In 1857, Thomas Tuttle had erected a steam flouring 
and saw-mill, combined, located about two miles south- 
vv-est of Palestine, and operated for a number of years. 

In 1856, James B. Conover built a steam saw-mill about 
a quarter of a mile west of Sugar Creek, on the National 
road. It passed through several hands, and was moved 
awa}' in 1859. 

In 1855 or '56, W. W, Matthews erected a steam saw- 
mill in the central northern part of the township, whith 
was run by Matthews & Reed some four years, and then 
removed. 

In 1856, a two-story steam flouring mill was erected in 
Palestine, by Gates r/ a/., at a cost of $5,000, with three 
run of stone. Gates operated it for about nine years and 
sold to Scott & Davis, and they to Joseph Conner. The 



278 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

mill lias been put in good repair by the present proprietor, 
A. P. Ilogle, who has added new machinery and the mod- 
ern improvements. 

Rufiis Black, a few years since, put in operation a 
steam circular saw mill at Philadelphia, which is still run- 
ning and doing an extensive business. 

The mills now in operation in Sugar-creek township 
are six in number, viz. : The Burke saw-mill, the Hogle 
flouring mill, the Black saw-mill ; the Stutsman mill, near 
Gem; the Gesler steam saw-mill, in Palestine; and the 
steam grist-mill in Philadelphia. The Stutsman saw-mill 
was built in 187 1 by Nicholas Stutsman. It burned down 
in 1879, but was immediately rebuilt, with a planer 
attached, and put in good running order. 

At the earh' date of 1832, Reuben Barnard, lather of 
Trustee William C. Barnard, carried on a blacksmith shop 
on his farm, in the south-west corner of the township. 

In 1845, John E. Baity opened a tanyard on the Mc- 
Namee t'arm. He did a local business, furnished a market 
for oak bark, had about twenty vats, and operated for 
foijp* vears. 

In 1847, Alexander Ogle started a small tannery in a 
log house near Philadelphia, which he operated for a num- 
ber of vears after the Baity tannery had ceased. 

Thomas Swift also carried on a tanyard near Palestine 
soon after the going down of the Baity tannery. 

The first tile factor}^ was erected in 1855, on Jacob 
Schramm's farm, and was operated for about four years 
by Weaver. 

The next tile factory was erected on the Reasoner farm, 
by Wicker & Brother. It has changed hands a number 
of times, but is still in operation. 

In 1869, Shellhouse, Spurry & Armstrong erected a 
tile factory two miles east of Palestine, which is now in 
operation by Freeman & Reasoner. 

Roads. — Sugar-creek- township in her early histor^^ 
much like her sister townships, had no roads worthy of 
the name, but mere paths, pointed out by the blazed trees. 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 279 

meandering through the thick forest. The first roads in 
the township were the Brookville and old State roads. 
The next was the National road. The Brookville road 
run through Palestine, diagonally through the township, 
on a bee line from Brookv^ille to Indianapolis. The old 
State road crossed the northern part of the township, pass- 
ing through Philadelphia. Prior to the late civil war 
there was not a single (gravel road in the township. But 
since that time there has been sixteen and one-half miles 
of toll pike built by companies, besides considerable 
graveling done in working out road taxes and personal 
privileges. 

Railroads. — Sugar-creek township has two railroads 
crossing her territory-. The P., C. and St. L. has six 
miles running through the northern tier of sections ; the 
Cincinnati, Hamilton and Indianapolis road passes through 
the south-west part a distance of seven miles ; making 
a total of thirteen miles in the township, valued at $170,- 
025. Telegraph lines extend along each of the roads, the 
total valuation of which is $2,235. T'he Pan-Handle has 
two stations in the township — Philadelphia and Gem. Pal- 
estine is the only one on the Junction. 

Educatio)ial. — The first school-houses in this township 
were pole cabins, covered with clapboards, suppled with 
*' cat and clay" chimneys and puncheon floors. The first 
three were located at nearly the same time : one near New- 
Palestine, one at Philadelphia, and one in the German set- 
tlement, near the center of the township. The first teachers 
were Samuel Valentine, Richard Lindsey, Eliza Barnard 
and Mr. Barnard. These teachers, like others at this date, 
were employed by the quarter, of thirteen weeks, at from 
thirty to thirty-six dollars and "found" — /. <?., they boarded 
around among the patrons. As the township filled up, and 
new settlements were made, additional schools were estab- 
lished and better houses erected, -in accordance with the 
demands of the times, until at present she compares favor- 
ably with the older and earlier settled townships. The 



28o HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY. 

tbllowinii are the numbers and names of the houses and the 
teachers employed therein at this date : 



„. . ^ ^T TJi -1 1 1 1 • (Charles Rennccamp, 

District No. I . .1 hiladelphia. . -^^^^j^,;^ ^^.^.^,^^_ 

District No. 2. .Brown Ella Bottsford. 

District No. 3 J. W. Jones. 

District No. 4 CM. Carr. 

District No. 5.. .Caraway's W. B. Bottsford. 

District No. 6 N. P. Brandenburg. 

(W. A. Wood, 
District No. 7. .Palestine -'Roscoe Anderson, 

(Jennie Buchel. 
District No. 8 *B. F. Ewbank. 



These eight houses — seven frame and one brick — are 
vakied at $4,500 ; apparatus, $150. This is exclusive of 
the German school, sustained" by private enterprise, and 
located in the central western part of the township. The 
number of school children in the township under consid- 
eration in 1853 was 554; in i860, 712; in 1870, 690; in 
1881, 704. An examination of which shows a fluctuating 
scholastic population not easily accounted for. Why there 
should be a less number of school children in 1870 than in 
i860, let the citizens answer. More remarkable still is the 
fact that she has fewer school children to-day than she 
reported just prior to the civil war. Sugar-creek is one of 
the three townships in the count}' that, in the final vote on 
the free school question in 1849, voted for free schools, her 
vote standing, "free school," sixt3'-eight ; "no school," 
forty-one. In her former vote, however, in 1848, on the 
same question, she voted against free schools, her vote 
standing at that time, "free school," forty-seven; "no 
school," fifty-four; being a majorit}' of seven against the 
proposed establishment of free schools. 

School Trustees. — Below we give the names of the 
township trustees, with the date of their election, since 
1859, at which time they were clothed with power to levy 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 28 1 

local taxes, and the office assumed some dignity and worth 
to the people : 

Robert P. Brown i^59 William C. Barnard ^^74 

E. H. Faut 1865 David Ulrcy 1876 

Edward P. Scott 1872 William C. Barnard 1878, 1880 

Remarks : Robert P. Brown, the first trustee under 
the new rco-iiiii\ held the office for four terms, and Ernst 
I^. Faut for six. E. P. Scott was the hrst to vote for 
county superintendent. David Ulre}' and William C. 
Barnard are the only trustees that have held two terms 
each since the change of the law, lengthening the term of 
office to two years. Said Barnard looks after the financial 
interests of the township, the poor, pedagogues, and com- 
pensates the farmers f'or their sheep killed by dogs, at the 
present date. 

Chnrchcs. — Sugar-creek township has six churches, 
representing three distinct Christian denominations, to-wit : 
Two M. E. churches, three German and one Christian, a 
special account of each of which will be given further on. 

PopuIatio)i. — An examination of the census reports tor 
the last few decades develops the following facts, to-wit : 
Population for 1850, 793; i860, 1,646; 1870, 1,897; 1880, 
2,099. ^^ ^"^^^^ ^^ observed that the stride from 1850 to 
i860 was remarkably great, being an increase, apparenth', 
of over one hundred per cent. ; but it must be remembered 
that in 1850 Sugar-creek township was only two-thirds its 
size in i860. Our remarks at the head of this chapter 
show that Jones township, from 1838 to 1853, included part 
of the territory now embodied in Sugar-creek. Jones, in 
1850, reported a population of 670, and as half her territory 
was added to Sugar-creek, a proportionate and fair esti- 
mate for the territory embodied in every census report of 
the township since 1850 would be 1128. This township 
far surpasses any other in the county in her reports of the 
number of foreigners. In 1870, she had 245 foreigners, 
while the highest numbers reported b\' other townships 
were ninety-four in Center and seventy-five in V^ernon, and 
"^9 



282 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



a total of 420 in all the townships of tlie county save Sugar- 
creek. The foreigners in Sugar-creek are mostly Germans, 
industrious farmers, who have clustered around a little 
nucleus earh^ planted in the tow^nship. 

Polls and Vote. — The polls for Sugar-creek in 1840 
were eighty-six ; in 1854, -^9 5 ^^ i860, 259 ; in 1870, 385 ; 
in 1880, 509. She cast, in i860, a vote of 343 ; in 1870, 
485. In 1880 her vote for President stood as follows: 
Democratic, 308; republican, 190 ; independent, eleven, 
being a democratic majority of 118. This township has 
two voting precincts: hrst, at New Palestine: second, at 
Philadelphia. 

Value of Real and Personal Property. — This township 
reports 21,805 acres of land, valued at $503,475 ; value of 
improvements on the same, $97,215 ; value of lots, $1,985 ; 
improvements on the same, $5,395 ; value of personal 
property, $269,115 ; value of railroads and telegraph, pre- 
vious! v £jiven : total value of taxables, exclusive of Pales- 
tine, $993,590. 

Taxes. — Sugar-creek township, in 1840, paid $417.64: 
her assessment for 1881, to be paid in 1882, is $7,982.24. 
The lev}' is eightv-two cents on each $100 on all the 
taxable property in the township, excepting Palestine, 
which is ninet3'-two. The following men of the township 
pay taxes of $40 and upwards in 1882 : 



Black, Rufus $ 86 32 

Briar, Charles 94 06 

Briar, W. F 70 00 

Barnard, Eliza 49 9° 

Caraway, Samuel 46 39 

Freeman, Benjamin... 265 37 

Faut, E. H . . . 5371 

Faut, E. W 90 65 

Fowler, Benjamin.... 61 65 

Fink, Henry 1 16 54 

Fink, John 55 20 

Gundruni, C 100 47 

Hawk, J. C 63 36 



Kittle, George % 

Knapc, C. H 

Kirkhoft", Anton 

Lantz, J. G 

Langanbarger, A 

Meier, Henry 

Murnan, G 

Miller, F. C 

McNamee, Benjamin. 

Murlow, Henry 

Murlow, H. A 

Moon, W. H 

Nichols, William 



•t> 


/^' 


61 


S3 




60 


94 


30 


46 


04 


7^ 


40 


43 


10 


41 


27 


«3 


ID 


45 


84 


54 


75 


41 


35 


54 


6^ 



284 HISTORY OF IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 

Ostermcier, C. H $ 43 77 Stutsman, Nicliolas. . .$ 46 84 

Parisli, Thomas 81 24 Schildmcier. A 1=^6 i-^ 

Pitcher, J. M 44 74 Schramm, Auj^ust. . . . 142 97 

Rosencr, C. F 49 4^ Schramm, Gustavus.. . 158 13. 

Richmond, A. F. G. . . 58 54 Weber, Ilcnry 49 74 

Schlosser, Peter, lieirs.. 105 48 

In Palestine the following men pay ^^40 or more : 

Espy, Paul .$365 65 Eaton, \V. T., & Son. . .$ 48 76. 

Ely, J. M 51 47 Vansickle & Smith. . . 45 Sr 

Eaton, \V. T 62 00 

Lazu and yustice. — Our first law-makers very wisely 
adopted the policy of our mother country, of bringing justice 
near the door of every man, rich or poor, whereby an oppor- 
tunity is offered for the speedy, convenient and inexpensive 
adjustment of pett}' grievances, civil or criminal. The 
constitution of 1852 authorizes the election of a competent 
number of justices of the peace, by the voters in each 
township in the several counties in the state, wdio shall con- 
tinue in office four years, and whose powers and duties 
shall be prescribed by law\ In the prosecution of this 
contemplated township system for promoting justice, the 
legislature enacted laws for the election by the people of 
two officers only, a justice and constable, the latter for a 
term of two years, who is the executive officer, and corre- 
sponds w^ith the sheriff in his duties. The former acts as 
judge, clerk and treasurer. Sugar-creek township has 
always been well supplied w^ith these ministerial, judicial, 
and executive officers. The first of these acting in the ter- 
ritory under consideration w^ere George Leachman and 
Charles Atherton, the exact date of whose election we are 
unable to ascertain, there being no record of the same in. 
the clerk's office to our knowledge, though we have made 
diligent search. Succeeding these were the following^ 
elected at the date set opposite their names, viz. : 

George Leachman, — G. W. Robison 1S44 

1843, 49' 54' '5^» '*^*^' '7^ George O'l^rien 1846 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 2«5 

Adam Hawk iS^i, i860 Henry A. Schreiber 1S74 

Geor<;e Bainett 18:^6 George W. Kinger}' 1S78 

W. li. Dye 186S John M. McKelvey 1880 

E. S. Bottsford 1872 

For the fifteen years that Jones township existed, the 
south half of which was attached to Sugar-creek after her 
dissohition, the following ex-justices officiated, being 
elected at the dates set opposite their names, some of 
whom properly belonged to Sugar-creek, but just wlio and 
how many we cannot say with absolute certainty ; hence 
we give the full list, and the good citizens of the two 
townships, — Sugar-creek and Buck-creek, which absorbed 
Jones, — may give honor to whom honor is due, and place 
the credit where it belongs : 

Charles Atherton.. . Unknown Joseph Marshall ^849 

Dan'l Skinner. 1840, 1845, 1850 Abraham Stutsman 1S51 

Charles Atherton 1S43 John PI. Hazen ^§5- 

Isaac Travis 1846 Allen Caylor 1853 

Remarks : There were probabh' one or two justices 
in Jones elected prior to 1840, our first date given, but we 
have been unable to ascertain their names. The practice 
in this and other counties has been to elect one or more jus- 
tices immediately after the organization thereof. Esquire 
Leachman, we are reliably informed, began his adminis- 
tration contemporary with the organization of the county, 
and served continuously till some time after the date of his 
election in 1870, officiating longer, perhaps, than any other 
man in the history of the county. He served at least 
eleven terms, or forty-four years, possibly longer. Adam 
Hawk and Charles Atherton each served two terms. Dan- 
iel Skinner filled the place for tweh'e years. None oi the 
others, we believe, were re-elected. Esquires George W. 
Kingery and John M. McKelvey preside at the bar of 
justice at this date. 

Ex-CoHiity Officers. — Sugar-creek townsliip has fur- 
nished a number of popular men willing to subject their 



286 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

prixate interests to the popular good, and endure the 
scathing, sarcastic criticisms always heaped upon our pub- 
lic servants by their antagonists and political opponents. 
Here flourished in their day the following chosen men, to 
stem the tide and oppose the current of petty jealousies, 
and paddle safely over the billowy waves the little count}' 
bark with her precious cargo of glittering gold and immor- 
tal souls : Samuel Shockle}^ commissioner and represent- 
ative ; William McCance, Enos O'Brien, John O'Brien, 
and William H. Dye, ex-commissioners. All of the above 
are with us no more, save in memory, records and history. 
Still living among us, and well-known to the readers of 
these lines, are the following : R. P. Brown, treasurer 
and sheriff'; E. H. Faut, treasurer ; Edward P. Scott, com- 
missioner ; J. V. Coyner, surve3'or ; and John E. Dye, 
present commissioner of the third district. 

Murders^ Suicides, and Rouarkahic DcatJis. — We will 
flrst call the attention of our readers to one ot the most 
shocking, heart-rending, irrational, fatal family feuds 
that it has ever been our painful duty to record — one which 
resulted in the cold-blooded murder of an innocent wife 
and the suicide of an excited, crazed and drunken hus- 
band. The plain facts in the case, as near as we can 
gather from circumstantial evidence, are about as fol- 
lows : George Knapp, a man of dissipated habits, lived 
about one mile west of Palestine in 1845, the date of the 
occurrence of this sad tragedy. It was Pentecostal Sab- 
bath, the famil}' had been to church in the forenoon, 
returned home and ate dinner together, when Mr. Knapp, 
being intoxicated, and somewhat quarrelsome, as usual 
under such circumstances, accused Mrs. Knapp of inti- 
delitv ; and reason bein^r dethroned bv the vile destrover 
and arch demon, Rum, he gathered up an ax and wildly 
menaced it before her face, and threatened to spill the 
life-blood of her whom but a few short years before he 
had solemnly pledged in divine presence, before living 
witnesses, to love and cherish, protect and defend, as long 
as life to them should be spared. Mrs. Knapp, fearing 



SUGAR-CREEK TOVVNSHII'. 287 

fatal results, fled from the house, followed by her antago- 
nist, who struck her on the head and felled her to the 
ground, where he continued his unmerciful attack, striking 
her twice with the edge of the ax, once in the shoulder 
and once in the breast, causing immediate death. Seeing 
her lifeless form covered with gore before him, partial con- 
sciousness returned, and with a sense of his awful crime 
realized, went into the house and, with a razor in hand, 
stood before the glass and cut his own throat, partially 
severing the trachea ; but still not satisfied, he left the 
house and pursued the children with murderous intent, 
who escaped him by seeking refuge in a pond. Being 
unable to reach them, he returned to the house, and was 
found by the neighbors in the frightful condition aforesaid, 
breathing through the recently made orifice in the wind- 
pipe. He had two small children, a boy and girl. The 
girl afterward married, and, from what we can learn, is 
still living. The boy died a few years after the tragedy 
just related. Henry Meier owns the Knapp farm where 
this sad scene transpired. 

In March, 1851, a man b}' the name of Sellers froze to 
death near Philadelphia. He was supposed to have been 
intoxicated. 

In 1861, Mr. Bidgood was killed by a team at the 
toll-gate. 

In 1863, James Murnan was accidentally shot and 
killed by a friend. 

In 1871, a son of Joseph Morford was killed by being 
thrown from a horse. Anton Wishmeier, in the same 
year, fell from a load of straw and was killed. 

In 1868, a man by the name of Foley was instantly 
killed by the cars. 

In 1872, Mrs. Thomas Alexander was burned to death 
by using coal oil in endeavoring to start a fire. 

In 1880, Emerick Brock committed suicide by hang- 
ing, near Palestine. A child of Anton Schildmeier was 
burned to death by coal oil. 

In June, 187 1, a man by the name of John Jacobi was 



288 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

instantly killed by his own reaper in a harvest field. His 
son was driving the horses, when they became frightened, 
and started to run. Mr. Jacobi, aiming to get to the heads 
of the horses, was knocked down by the tongue of the 
reaper, and, falling in front of the sickle, was caught by 
the guards, one arm cut oft' and his head severed from the 
body. His wife, seeing the heart-rending scene, rushed 
to the spot, near by, gathered the bleeding head to her 
arms and bosom, and rushed in wild delirium into the 
house, scarcely conscious of what she was doing. Mr. 
Jacobi was about sixty-five years of age. 

Exports and Imports. — The chief exports of Sugar- 
creek township are wheat, corn, hogs, cattle, horses, flax- 
seed, potatoes, barley, oats, lumber, fruits, carriages, 
wagons, and the products of the hennery and dairy. Her 
imports are chiefly farming implements, dry goods, gro- 
ceries, hardware, glass and wooden ware, hats, caps, 
boots, shoes, notions, blooded stock, improved seed, liter- 
ature, medicines, wines and liquors, clocks, watches, jew- 
elry, coal, iron, paints, oils, varnishes, and leather. 

Rccapittilation. — Sugar-creek township contains thirty- 
six sections, 21,805 acres ; has one mill stream, one smaller 
stream, two border counties, three border townships, two 
steam flouring mills, three steam circular saw mills, one 
water saw-mill, one steam planing factory, two tile facto- 
ries, eight public school-houses, one denominational school, 
eleven public school-teachers, six church buildings, two 
lodges, two villages, three post-offices, seven pikes, two 
railroads, 2,099 inhabitants, 704 school children, 272 polls, 
509 voters, $4,650 worth of public school property, $372,- 
310 worth of personal property, $170,025 worth of rail- 
road stock, $2,235 worth of telegraph, $602,790 worth of 
land, $35,235 worth of improvements on same, 245 male 
dogs, thirteen female dogs, $1,132,195 worth of taxable 
property, forty-two men who pay over $40 taxes each, 
eight ex-justices, two acting justices, five ex-trustees since 
1859, nine ex-county officers, four living ex-county officers, 
one acting county officer ; a fertile, well-drained soil ; a 



SUGAR-CKEEK TOWNSHIP. 289 

limited quantity of saw and rail timber, sixteen and one- 
half miles of toll pike, thirteen miles of railroad, three 
railroad stations, two telegraph lines, a healthful climate ; 
fish, squirrels, quail and rabbits in small quantities ; eight 
physicians, a democratic trustee, a declining scholastic 
population, an increasing valuation, and a democratic 
majority of 1 18. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 
SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP — Continued. 

Palestine, 

a pleasant little village, is located on the west bank of 
Sugar Creek. It was laid out by J. Evans, on the ist of 
October, 1838, and consisted of fifteen blocks and thirty- 
six lots. It is now on the C, H. and I. railroad, on a bee 
line about thirteen miles south-east of Indianapolis. It 
has three churches, a two-story frame school-house, a 
steam flouring mill, and one saw-mill ; merchants, drug- 
gists, physicians and mechanics suitable to a town of its 
size ; a post-office, express office, daily mail, and about six 
hundred inhabitants. 

The land from which Palestine was carved was entered 
by John Weston, on the ist day of May, 1824, being the 
west half of the south-east quarter of section twenty-nine, 
in township fifteen north, and in range six east. The first 
addition was made by Gundrum, on the i8th day of Feb- 
ruary, 1854, located west of the north part of the old plat, 
between the railroad and State road, and contained twenty- 
three lots. A second addition was laid out by Waltke, on 
the 7th day of August, 1867, and consisted of twenty-six 
lots, located between the railroad and the State road, and 
west of Gundrum's addition. The third addition was 



290 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

made by Anderson, on the loth of April, 1872, and con- 
sisted of forty-three lots, located west of Waltke's addition, 
and a part south of the State road. The fourth addition 
was laid out by Kirkhoff, on the 9th of October, 1873, and 
consisted of six lots, located west of the old plat and south 
of the State road. The fifth addition was made by Kirk- 
hoff', known as Kirkhoff*'s second addition, on the 2nd day 
of January, 1875, '^^^ consisted of ten lots, located south 
of Waltke's addition and east of the southern part of 
Anderson's addition. 

The cemetery at New Palestine was laid out by Eliza- 
beth Cones, on the 20th day of December, 1870. It con- 
sists of fort3^-one lots, with alleys. 

The first business done in this little burg was on a 
small scale, and consisted mainly in bartering porkers, 
whisky, ginseng, furs and venison hams for staple gro- 
ceries and notions. The dry goods were mostly manu- 
factured at home. The first business houses of this place 
were crude structures, indeed. The better ones seen at 
this early date resembled somewhat our cut of tlie first 
house in Greenfield, seen on page 179. Among the first 
merchants of Palestine in her primitive davs were Amos 
Dickerson, Andrew Magahe}^ John Delaney, Robert 
King, W. and S. S. Johnson, Joseph Cones, and J. Evans. 
We cannot spare the space to trace all the business men 
and their various changes from the first to the present ; but 
will pass over the intermediate merchants, and endeavor 
to give a pen picture of her present business and business 
men, that our sons and daughters, grandchildren and 
future posterity, may see us to-day as we are, with more 
clearness and certainty than we are permitted to view the 
status of our country long years since, owing to the imper- 
fect records handed down to us. 

BUSINESS DIRKCTORV OF PALESTINE. 

^fcrchants — Hoot ami S/ioc Makers — 
J. A. Schrcibcr, J<^lm Biicltuer, 

Eaton & vSon, Fred Wiiltkc, 

X'a'isicklc tv: Smith. Charles Woerner. 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP, 



291 



Druggists — 

H. A. Schreiber. 
Espy & Espy, 
D.J. Elliott' 

Carriage ^lakers — 
E. H. Faiit & Bro. 

Harness Maker — 
H. Richmond. 

Undertakers — 

R. L. Murphy, 
Calvin Bennett. 

Cabinet Maker — 
Lewis Schmits. 

Painter — 
Eli Stout. 

Silvers m ith — 
D.J. Elliott. 

Physicians — 
Paul Espy, 
J. M. Ely, 

B. F. True, 

C. H. Kirkhoft; 
Jacob Buchell, 
L. C. Ely. 

Motel Keeper — 

M. Hinchnian. 

Grain Dealer — 

A. P. Hogle. 

Stock Dealer — 

B. F. Freeman. 

Notary Public — 

Samuel T. Hook. 

Miller— 

A. P. Ilo-le. 

Sa-x-niill Prop' r — 
Freil. Gesler. 



Blacksmiths — 
A.G.Smith, 
G. Guysen, 
E. H. Faut&Bro. 

Wagon JMaker — 

Christian Chleeter. 

Butcher — 

Adolph Kuirihm. 

Carpenters — 

Calvin Bennett, 
Charles Richmond. 

Plasterer — 

John Armstrong. 

'Dinner — 

Francis Cloud. 

Cooper — 

William Everson. 

Restaurateur — 

L. S. Foglesong. 

Barbers — 

D. W. Place, 
George Frunkenstein. 

School Teacher and Assessor — 
William A. W^ood. 

Surveyor and Engineer — 
J. \ . Coyner. 

Gardener — 

Elijah Avers. 

Postmaster — 

W. T. Eaton. 

Express and R. P. Ag't — 
Edward Busscll. 



292 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



Philadelphia. 

Philadelphia, named in commemoration of the city of 
brotherly love, is located four miles west of Greenfield, on 
the National road. The P., C. and St. L. R. R. runs by 
it. It contains a two-story public school building, one saw- 
mill, a flouring mill, post-office, express office, daily mail, 
druggist, grocer, merchants, mechanics, physicians, and 
other necessaries to a village of her dimensions. Phila- 
delphia was laid out by the records fail to show whom, on 
the nth day of April, 1838, being about six months prior 
to the laying out of New Palestine. The original plat con- 
sists of one hundred and two lots and six out-lots. The 
first and only addition was made by Clark, on the second 
day of April, 1864, and consisted of nineteen lots, located 
south of the old plat. Among the first business men of 
this place were: Charles Atherton, Sen., general mer- 
chant and post-master; Allen McCane, Joseph Marshall, 
G. W. Willett, Samuel McConaha, J. B. Sting, J. B. Con- 
over and O. S. Meek. First physicians. Dr. Hodson 
McCallister & Son, J. H. Hazen, W. H. Dye, G. T. Ren- 
nick and H. B. Tilson. We will not consume space in 
ijivinij a full list of the business throuirh her entire history, 
but will now come up to the present, and furnish for this 
date a 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF PHILADELPHIA. 



Merchants — 

Meek & Bro., 
Burk & Atherton, 
J. H. Scotton. 

Drugs and Groceries- 
G. C. Ewbank. 

Physicians — 
' W. R. King, 
G. C. Ewbank. 

Wagon ^lakcr — 
John .Stutsman. 



Butcher — 

Edward Atherton. 



Shoe and Boot Makers 
O. P. Martin, 
A. Gibson. 

Milhvrio-ht— 

Wm. Ransom. 

Steam Flour itig Mill- 
l>hick & AthcrtoiL 



J94 



IIISTOKV (IF HANCOCK. COUNTY 



7)/c7c/csm///is — ' Sfeaf/i Sazv Mill — 

StutsiiKin iK: Ellidtt. R. Black & Co. 

Jlariicss Maker — Postmaster — 

A. P. Atherton. S. Burk. 

Remarks : Prior to the construction of the old Indiana 
Central R. R., there was a vast amount of travel and 
moving to the west in wagons, on the National road, and 
for a number of j^ears the Dayton and Indianapolis stage 
passed east and west daily through this little burg, at which 
time the chief business of the place, like others of its kind 
along this main line of travel, was inn or tavern keeping. 
Relics of these old buildings, where the westward bound, 
wearv traveler was nightly found, still remain, tottering, 
but tellina" monuments of an earlier stao'e of ci\ilization. 



Gem. 

Gem post-office was established in 1878, on the P., C. 
and St. L. R. R., in the central northern part of the 
township, and Andrew Stutsman was the first postmaster. 
The first store at this place was kept by Nicholas Stuts- 
man, sevens-ears prior to the establishment of the post-office. 
There never was a plat made of the place, consequenth' 
no additions. It has a general store, kept by J. Townsend ; 
a boot an(;l shoe shop, by Joseph Coon ; a blacksmith shop, 
by Isaac Stutsman ; a steam saw-mill, by Nicholas Stuts- 
man : a daily mail, James Townsend, P. M. 

M. E. Church. 

About the 3'ear 1835, the Methodists organized a class 
at Philadelphia. Among the first members were Owen 
Griffith, wife and two daughters ; William Brown, wife 
and daughter; Mrs. Willett ; Charles Atherton, Sr., and 
wife ; Jonathan Hornida}' and wife, Thomas J. Smith and 
wife, and Joseph Grey and lady. The first ministers were 
J. B. Burch, Rev. Edwards and Landy Havens. 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



295 



The society worshiped in school-houses and private 
dwellings until the year 1853, when the present church 
building was finished. It was dedicated in June of the 
same year by Bishop Ames. The house is in good repair, 
and capable of seating three hundred persons. Present 
minister, H. Woolpert. 

The first camp-meeting held in this vicinit\', was by 
Rev. James Havens, in 1837. 

In connection with this church, a Sunday-school was 
organized in the year 1850, which has continued to grow 
in numbers and usefulness till thev now have an interestin"; 
and prosperous school, with an average attendance of 
eight}'. S. Burke, present superintendent. 



German M. E. Church, 

Palestine, was organized in the spring of 185 1, with the 
following members : J. D. Faut, Christina Faut, A. 
KirkholT, Mariah Kirkhoft', Conrad Gundrum and wife, 
John Lange and lady, John Manche and wife, Henry and 
Elizabeth Fink, and Jacob Lange and wife. The first 
ministers we're Philip Deor, Rev. Wilke, and L. Heis. 
In 1852, the organization erected a house, at a cost of a 
thousand dollars. The first trustees were J. D. Faut, 
Conrad Gundrum, A. Kirkhoft^ John Manche, and Henrv 
Fink. The present trustees are Conrad Gundrum, A. 
Kirkhoft', J. Lantz, Jacob Kratz, and Charles Reasoner. 
Present minister, Rev. John Ficken. To this church 
belong some of the staid, sturdy German farmers and sub- 
stantial men of the township. 

Church of Christ, 

New Palestine, was organized September 4, 1870, on the 
following platform : " We, the undersigned, members of 
the body of Christ, agree to congregate ourselves together 
for the worship of the true God, and the edifying of each 
other in love ; to be governed by the word of the Lord, 



296 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



exclusive of the doctrines and commandments of men." 
Signed by the following names of original members : 



Michael H. Hittle, 
Elizabeth R. Hitde, 
Sanford Furry, 
Henry Biissell, 
Malinda Bussell, 
Albert Freeman, 
Harriet Freeman, 
Ethelbert Richardson. 



Malinda Richardson, 
Margaret Kanierian, 
Rachel Kamerian, 
Minerva Wheeler, 
Lavina Pitcher, 
John R. Armstrong, 
Eliza J. Armstrong. 



The above organization was effected in the school- 
house at Palestine, under the pastorate of Elder W. R. 
Low. Being denied the privilege of longer worshiping 
in the school-house, the organization met in the railroad 
depot. In 1871, the society erected a house, large and 
substantial, at a cost of $1,550, exclusive of ground, which 
was donated by H. P. Anderson. The building was dedi- 
cated on the 25th day of November, 1871, by Elder W. R. 
Jewel, of Danville, Indiana, and a thorough organization 
was effected by electing George B. Richardson, M. H. 
Hittle, John P. Armstrong, J. M. Pitcher,, and H. P. 
Anderson, deacons. Elder W. T. Hough was the suc- 
cessor of W. R. Low, followed by Lockhart, John A. 
Navitz, W. H. Bovyles and Robert Blount. There has 
never been a re-election of officers from the date of the 
organization till the present, though some have died, and 
others moved away. The church is in good condition, 
with a membership of over sixt}'. The said John A. Navitz, 
during his labors with the organization, in the winter of 
1876-77, held a very interesting, largely attended debate 
with a Soul Sleeper preacher, by the name of Sanford. 



German Lutheran Churches. 

The lirst German church in Sugar-creek township, 
known as the Albright German Church, was organized 
in the year 1S36, in a block-house three miles west of 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP 



297 



Palestine, and consisted wholly of Germans who had 
recently arrived from the principality of Hamhin-g, Ger- 
many. Most of them were hnancially poor, but spiritually 
rich ; and in setting about to supply the wants of the body, 
they would fain supply the soul with food also, and hence 
delayed not in associating themselves together as one 
grand Godly family, made up of about twenty-five private 
families. Their spiritual wants were first supplied by a 
priestly patriarch named Kiebler, followed by Rev. Mr. 
Muth, a preacher of the United Brethren. 

Contemporary with the organization existed the Ger- 
man School Society, whose duties were to suppl}- the 
children with facilities for securing a secular education, 
and a knowledge of the catechism. In 1841, the first 
German Lutheran minister. Rev. J. G. Kuntz, came to 
Indianapolis, took charge of the German church at that 
place, and preached for the new society, first once every 
four weeks, then tri-weekly. The society becoming more 
numerous and wealthy, at the special instance and request 
of their pastor, said Kuntz, they extended a call to Rev. 
A. Brandt to come and live among them to preach and 
teach, which call he accepted. Brandt was Ibllowed by 
Revs. Hermeon and A. Scheurmann. In 1853, said Kuntz 
was returned, and a new church was built in the central 
western part of the township, on the land previoush" owned 
b}' the school society, on which was situated two block 
houses, a dwelling and school-house. This society was 
known as the German Evangelical Lutheran Zion's con- 
gregation. The building was a frame, 35x50 feet, con- 
structed by a young man named Kaiser, at a cost of $1 ,200. 
It was dedicated on the 27th of November, 1859, by 
Rev. Frick. Rev. Kuntz was connected with this church, 
as pastor and schoolmaster, for more than thirty years. 
The writer had the pleasure of calling on him in the school- 
room, assisted by his daughter, in 1874. "^^^^^ room was a 
small log structure, located on the south side of the road, 
in the north-east corner of the north-west quarter of section 
twenty-four, near said Zions church. The house was full 
20 



298 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



of children. Teachers and students were industriously 
enfjaged. Since which time a new schc 
erected, with the modern improvements. 



enfjaged. Since which time a new school-house has been 



M. E. Church, New Palestine, 

was organized in 1830, in a school-house near where the 
present public school building stands. Among the prime 
movers and first members of this organization were David 
and Catharine McNamee, George H. and Mary Robison, 
Thomas Swift and wife, Lewis and Phoebe Burk, Joseph 
and Elizabeth Conner, John and Sophia Ashcraft, Joseph 
and Elizabeth Munger, Adam Hawk and wife, Whitfield 
True and wife, Dr. B. F. True and wife, Henry and Nancy 
Gates, Benjamin Freeman and wife, Benjamin and Mary 
Ann McNamee, William Leachman and wife, Dr. J. M, 
and Mary Ely, Hiram Chambers and wife, John Jones and 
wife, H. Hough and wife, Jane McVey and Eliza Jones. 
The first trustees of this society, were Thomas McVey, 
Dr. J. M. Ely and David McNamee. The present building 
was erected in the summer of 1856, and dedicated in 
September of the same year, by Thomas Eddy. 

The ministers who have presided here, from time to 
time, are as follows: James Conner, J. L. Smith, J. W. 
T. McMatlin ; Revs. Wright, Wray, Rosecrans and Rans- 
dell ; Patrick Carlin, Robert R. Roberts, John C. Sharp, 
Jesse Miller, F. M. Turk, Augustus Lewis, B. F. Mor- 
gan and George W. Winchester. Present preacher, W. 
B. Clancy. 

The house is in good repair, well painted ; size, 35x45 
feet ; seating capacity, 400. The society owns a parson- 
age, paid for and in good repair. Present membership, 
126 ; cost of house, $1,800, 

The following are the present trustees of the church : 
William Nichols, Henry Gates, Benjamin Freeman, Ben- 
jamin McNamee and D. J. Elliott. 

The Sabbath-school, established in connection, holds 
its session every Sabbath the year round. Average attend- 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP 



J99 



ance, seventy-five ; present superintendent, A. P. Hogle ; 
secretary, Charles Ballard ; librarians, Minnie Rodders 
and Laura Ballard ; treasurer, Jennie Buchell. 

New Palestine Cornet Band. 

The citizens of New Palestine, in harmony with the 
progressive spirit of the times and country, nearly two 
-decades since organized the musical talent of the place into 
a brass band, well furnished, equipped, and supplied with 
ii wagon, at a total cost for instruments, uniforms and 
wagon, of $1,150; in addition to which liberality, they 
■expended for instruction and music, $400 ; for incidentals, 
perhaps $50, making a total expenditure to the boys and 
their friends of $1 ,6oo. The charter members, not included 
in the present membership, were Walter Waterson, James 
Arthur, Henry G. Mickle, Albert H. Dix, Charles Haynes, 
Thomas J. Elliott, and J. M. Freeman. The present 
members are : Smith T. JVic/ioh,'^ John H. Garvcr, George 
W. Nichols, William F. Anderson, John Westlake, Fred 
Freagel, William Gundrum, John Carson, Marshall Water- 
son and Harry Garvcr. This band is in good working 
order, and is equaled in the county in its efficiency and 
ability to charm and hold spell-bound its audiences by the 
Greenfield band only, whose leader has been their main 
instructor, and it is surpassed by none, notwithstanding 
the acknowledged ability and recognized efficiency of the 
other good bands of the countv. It has been our <:ood 
pleasure to hear this band discourse on different occasions 
to enrapt audiences such euphonious, harmonious music as 
seldom wings its way to the ear of mortal man ; and should 
they so direct their steps as to have the good fortune to 
enter the celestial city, they will doubtless be chosen to 
augment that innumerable company which surrounds the 
throne, with golden instruments and harps in their hands, 
ever singing, blowing, playing and rejoicing, as only 
angels can do. 

*The italicized names above were also charter nieinbers. 



300 jnSTOKY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Benjamin McNamee, 

a native of the "Buckeye State," dates liis earthly career 
from the 30th day of September, 1827. At the tender 
age of six, he mov^ed with his father, David McNamee, 
and settled in Sugar-creek township, two and one-half 
miles north of Palestine, where he still resides on the old 
homestead which his father entered. At this early date„ 
Mr. McNamee says he knew of but one log cabin between 
the Brookville and National road. A few scattering cab- 
ins were to be found on the bluffs of Sugar Creek and 
Buck Creek, and wild game of various kinds existed in 
abundance. At the age of twentv-two, Mr. McNamee- 
joined his destiny with Marv Ann Irons, September 9^ 
1849. The fruits of this union have been eight children^ 
four of whom are living. Catharine, the eldest, is the 
wife of Prof. Morgan Carawa\-, principal of the Fortville 
graded schools. The second, James W., and his wife 
reside in Fremont county, Iowa. Tiie remaining two- 
daughters, Emma and Mollie, are living with their parents^ 
Mr. McNamee and his amiable wife have been consistent 
members of the M. E. Church for thirtv-two years. 



New Palestine Lodge, F. A. M., No. 404. 

The above-named lodge was organized under a dis- 
pensation of the G. M., in Januarv, 1869. ^^ which author- 
ity F. M. Hook was appointed worshipful master ; J. P. 
Armstrong, senior warden, and C. H. Shellhouse, junior 
warden of said body. The tirst stated communication of 
this lodge occurred January 30, 1869, at which meeting 
the grand master appointed the rest of the officers nec- 
essary to perfect the organization, viz. : E. P. Scott, 
treasurer; B. Westlake, secretary ; B. F. Stutsman, senior 
deacon ; C. Bennett, junior deacon ; J. P. Vernon, tylor. 
These, with the three appointed in the dispensation, con- 
stituted the officers of said lodge No. 404. On the 25th 
day of May following, a charter was received from the 



302 . HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

grand lodge. The order now being firmly established, 
peace and harmony prevailing, the close of the year 1869 
found the lodge with bright prospects betbre it. The 
present officers are J. P. Armstrong, W. M. ; Eli Stout, 
S. W. : T. P. Vernon, junior warden : J. C. Vansickle, 
treasurer: E. P. Scott, secretary'; W. A. Eaton, S. D. ; 
A. P. Hogle, J. D. ; O. P. Hobbs, tylor. This lodge has 
had several public installments, and public addresses by 
John V. R. Miller, W. H. Bowles, and other bright lights. 
Among those the death of whom the lodge has been called 
upon to mourn are F. M. Hook, its tirst master : B. West- 
lake, the first secretary ; and more recently, Prot". Aaron 
Pope, the latter of whom, though young in Masonry, was 
twice master of the lodge. Gone, all gone ! but not for- 
gotten. Though the lodge mourns its loss, the members 
rejoice in a consolation of meeting them in that celestial 
lodge above, where the Supreme Architect of the universe 
presides, and the tylor admits none but the true and tried. 
[We are indebted to J. P. Armstrong for the above 
facts.] 

History of the German Settlement. 

The first German who entered land in Hancock county 
was Carl Julius Leopold Albert Von Bonge. lie was born 
November 24, 1798, in Liegnitz, Silesia, Prussia, Ger- 
many. Having received a classic education, he adopted 
the profession of law. Owing to political difficulties with 
the Prussian government, he was compelled to leave his 
native countrv. He therefore selected, fled to, and adopted 
the United States, " the land of the free and the home of 
the brave." He first setded in Zanesville, Ohio, then for a 
time resided in Cincinnati, when in the year 1828, in com- 
panv with his young wife, he emigrated to Hancock 
county, to what is now called the German settlement, and 
entered a quarter section of land. Albert Lange, a school- 
mate and colleague in his profession, who also fled the 
countrv from the same cause, came over at the same time, 
and entered a quarter section adjoining tluit of Mr. 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 303 

Bonge. For a number of years they cleared up, fenced, 
and made a home in the swamps. Mr. Lange sold his 
160 acres eight years after, and settled in Terre Haute, 
where he was mayor of the city for a time, and auditor of 
Vigo county for a number of 3-ears. He was three times 
the nominee of the republican party for auditor of state, 
to which position he was elected in i860, and filled the 
place of trust with credit to himself and honor to the peo- 
ple. Indeed, Mr. L. was a prominent citizen of the state 
until his death. Mr. B. sold his quarter .section also about 
twelve years after entering. He tl.en settled over the 
line in Cumberland, Marion county, where he resided 
and engaged in the mercantile business. Here he lived, a 
useful citizen, to a good old age, and died only a few 
years since ; and his pioneer wife, the first German woman 
that ever located in this prosperous German settlement, is 
still living. She was born in 1813, at Heil Bron, in the 
kinirdom of Wurtemburfj, Germanv, and was married to 
said Carl Julius Leopold Albert \on Bonge in the year 
183 1, at Dayton, Ohio. 

By the location and influence of Mr. Bonge and Mr. 
Lange, a German doctor, by the name of Ronenberg, 
who came from Buckeburg, Schaumburg-Lippe, Ger- 
manv, established himself near them. Through the influ- 
ence of these three worthy, prominent men, numerous 
others were induced to follow. Among the first were Geo. 
Nolener, John Schreiber, Mr. Wolframm, Chas. Oswold, 
Mr. Linbricht, Anthon}' Wishmeier, Benj. Rothe, Jacob 
Schramm, Andrew Finck, Christian Schildmeier, Wm. 
Reasoner, Charles Brewer, Ludwig Richmann, Wilhelm 
Rushaubt, Anthony Kirkhoft', x\nthony Meier, Daniel 
Faut and John Grene. These were a few of the pioneers 
who settled here from 1830 to 1840, followed by many of 
their relatives, friends and acquaintances, each of whom 
cast in his might to make the German settlement what it 
is to-day — the garden spot of Hancock county. As before 
stated, they have their churches and schools, and are 
taught honesty, industry and frugality. Let the young 



304 



IIIsroKN' OI' IIANCOlK torxTV 



from the ;ib()\i' liistorx Icai'ii llir lesson lliat " il Is an ill 
wind that blows nobody i^^ood ;'' that a kite rises against 
the icrial current, and not with il. ""I'lie han^iiiL,^ ol" John 
Brown was tlie han^inj^ of slavery ; religions persecution 
in Kn^iand planted the pilgrim lathers on Plymouth Rock, 
and |iolitical dillerences in ]*russia, Germany, drove Carl 
Julius Leoi-)old Albert Von lionire and the lion. Albert 
Laniije to America, to form the nucknis around which 
should cluster tlu' pi-rsecuted and poor, the youno' and old 
ol' their native countrymen, to aid in convertin<^ tlu> marsh 
into tlu' meadow, the forest into fields, and the deej'), 
tanu;-|ed wildwood into beds of rosins and broad acres ol 
Lfolden jji'ain. J^onj/ li\e tlu-ir memorw 



William C. Uakxaud. 

'I'he subject of this skelcii, a nali\i' of llancock county, 
was born May 31, 1H43, and was the third son of Reuben 
IJarnard, a prominent citizen, fariuiT and stock-raiser ol 
.Su_i;"ar-cr(.>ek township. 

iCducalional ad\antai;"i's Ihmui;" liniitetl at llu' lime he 
was Ljrowin^- uji, he received instructions frt)m his lather 
during- tiie winter months, and worked on the farm in the 
summer, in the \-ear 1862, he t'uteiH'd Uuller Unix iMsity , 
and reniaim-d tiun-e three terms, o'ainini^ the esteem of the 
facullx and advancini!,- rapidlv. In tlu> fall of 1S63, he 
entered r>r\ant\s L'ommercial College, at Indianapolis, and 
compli'ted a regular course of book-kiH'|)inL;", w ith its col- 
lateral branclu\s, March the 5th, i<S(x|. 

lie was married May llu- 2()lh, iSOy, to Amanda (iib- 
son, of Marlon county, Indiana, since which time \\v has 
been activel\' engaged in farming ami stock raising, and 
has been \erv successful. I lis thrift and inchistrv ha\c> 
gained lor hiui the admii'alion ot the (.■oininunitx' . 

Mr. liarnaril has bin-n three limes elected trustee of the 
township, and as olu'U eleiled secn^tary of the county 
board ol education, and jierhaps has dont' as much to raise 



306 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

the standard of our common schools as any person that 
has held the office of township trustee in the county. 

Mr. Barnard is a young man, of nervo-biliotis tem- 
perament, medium height, dark complected, strong and 
vigorous, with black hair, a piercing eye, and an active 
mind. 

Aaron Pope. 

The subject of this sketch was born in Shelby county, 
about five miles south of Palestine, on September i6, 
1844. His father was in moderate circumstances, and 
unable to give his son a collegiate education ; but might 
have given him an opportunity to attend the public schools 
of the district, had he fully appreciated the importance of 
an education. Hence young Mr. P. was compelled to live 
in comparative ignorance until large enough to labor with 
his own hands, and thereby obtain means to purchase 
books and enter school of his own accord. But being 
allowed to attend school in the winter only, when the 
weather was too bad to work on the farm, his education 
reached no farther than the elementary principles of the 
fundamental branches. 

At the age of twenty, Mr. P. was married to Miss 
Nancy J. Murnan, of his native neighborhood. Here, on 
a rented farm, he began his efforts for an independent 
living. His wife lived but little more than a year, leaving 
her husband the care of an infant child, which lived but 
three months after its mother's death. Mr. P. being now 
left alone in the world, and feeling unsatisfied with his 
preparation for life's duties, he resolved at once to prepare 
himself for teaching. Though his education was so very 
limited, yet, by close application at leisure hours, and 
without attending school, in a little more than a year he 
was enabled to obtain license, and began teaching. He 
first held forth at Fairvievv school-house, in the fall of 
1867, in which, as in subsequent terms, he was very suc- 
cessful. In JanuarN', 1871, he was again married. This 
time to Miss Louisa W. Vernon, of Shelby count}'. In 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 307 

1873, he moved to Palestine, and was engaged in the 
employ of Eaton & Gates for three years, and in that of 
Schreiber & Brother for two years, with the exception of 
two winters devoted to his. favorite pursuit. In the fall of 
1877, he was elected principal of the McCordsville graded 
schools, which position he filled with entire satisfaction to 
all parties interested. While residing here he was elected 
county superintendent, to fill the unexpired term occas- 
ioned by the death of W. P. Smith. This position he 




held to the date of his death, being twice re-elected and 
twenty-seven months in office. During all of this time 
Mr. P. was in harmon}- with the progressive educational 
spirit of the age, faithfully and conscientiously carrving 
out the advanced movements of his predecessors and 
inaugurating others as necessity and the spirit of the times 
demanded. 

Mr. P. was a 3-oung man of great energy, enterprise, 
and considerable originality, and was the proprietor and 
chief founder of the Home and School Visiter. Mr. P. 
from the age of sixteen to the date of his death was a 
faithful member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and 



308 niSTOI^V OF HANCOCK COUN'I'V. 

for ten years was a de\ oted Mason. He was twice master 
of the lodc^e at Palestine, took the chapter degrees at 
McCordsville in the summer of 1879, and the council 
degrees in May, 1881. He died at his residence in Green- 
lield, Thursday, July 21, 1881, aged thirty-seven years, 
and his remains peacefully repose in the New cemetery 
in this citv. 



Benjamin F. Freeman. 

a nati\'e of the "Buckeye State," dates his earthly career 
to 1827, October 12. At the early age of two, in company 
with his parents, he came to Marion count}', Indiana, 
wiiere they remained until the fall of 1855, when, at the 
age of twenty-eight, he came to Palestine, sugar-creek 
township, and engaged in merchandising with Burk, Esp}' 
& Co., at which business he continued for about nine 
3'ears, being a member during this time of different firms. 
In 1864, Mr. F. moved out on his farm, adjoining the 
town on the east, where he has resided ever since, and 
has been eiiiji'aijed in farminij, stock-raisinij, merchandis- 
ing and stock-trading. ISIr. Freeman has been constanth' 
in the goods trade since entering the countv — though una- 
ble, from a pressure of business, to give it his personal 
attention — but has devoted the major part of his time to 
farming and stock trading, being one of the most exten- 
sive stock dealers in the count}^ and the owner of over 
eight hundred acres of first-class land. 

Mr. F. was married in 1855 to Marv Ann, daughter of 
John Maple, of Rush countw The fruits of tliis union 
are four children, three bo}-s and one girl, all of whom are 
unmarried, except James A. Mr. F. has been a consist- 
ent member of the M. E. Church for more than fort^• 
years. Ever since the organization of the republican 
party, in 1856, Mr. F. has been a staunch member thereot". 
Not from polic\', but tVo.n principle, though ne\-er in office 
nor aspiring in that direction, prefering the quiet seclusion 
ot" rural ]rarsuits. In person, ?*Ir. F. is tall, strong and 



3IO HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

portly, of a sa>io-iii')io-)icrz'o-bilioits temperament, has light 
complexion, light hair, blue eyes, and a dignified bearing, 
nearly six feet in height, and two hundred pounds in 
weight. 

Miss Clara Louise Bottsford, 

a native of Johnson county, Indiana, removed with her 
parents to Sugar-creek township about the year i860, 
when but a mere child. Here she has remained ever 
since. Her parents dying some few 3'ears ago, together 
with her elder sister, made her pathway rather a rough 
one for a w'hile, but it is smoother now. Though her 
opportunities for an education were limited, being confined 
mainly to the public schools of the township, yet, by 
industry and close application, she has prepared herself 
for teaching, and has had some eight years' experience in 
the public schools of the county, but is now giving her 
attention mainly to literary work ; from a small beginning 
in the county papers over a nom dc -pliunc, then in numer- 
ous sensational works, Frank Lesley^ Chhnncv Corner^ 
and JVezu York Ledger, and not until more recently has 
she appeared over her own signature in the Indianapolis 
your Hill and Herald, Chicago 1)2 ter Ocean, New York 
Sun, and other metropolitan papers. 

The writer is well acquainted with the subject of this 
sketch, having been associated with her in the first normal 
school of the county and as superintendent of the Green- 
field graded schools, and also had the honor of licensing 
her to teach in the public schools, and can freely credit 
her with manifesting the will to rise under adverse cir- 
cumstances. 

After the death of her father, E. S. Bottsford, Esq., 
she was appointed administratrix of the estate, and has 
taken the responsibilities of the head of the family. 

We give an extract from one of her poems, for want of 
space here, in a future chapter. 



CHAPTER XIX. 

VERNON TOWNSHIP. 



In Tp. 



Tp. Line 













9 


10 


II 


14 


13 


iS 


17 


16 


IS 


14 


23 


24 


19 


20 


21 


22 


23 


26 


25 


30 


29 


28 


27 


26 


35 


36 


31 


32 


33 


34 


3S 



17 N. 



17 X. 



Scale: Tvjo miles to the inch. 

MAP OF VERNON TOWNSHIP. 

SHOWING THE SECTION'S, TOWNSHIP AND RANGES OF WHICH IT IS COMPOSED. 

Name and Organization. — This township, which bears 
the name of the final resting place of the mortal remains 
of the first President of the United States, was organized 
in 1836, and was taken from the north part of Buck-creek. 
In 1838, four sections were struck off from the south-east 
corner to form a part of Union township, but in 1853 were 
replaced, since which time she has maintained her present 
size and boundaries. 



312 HI^'IORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Local io}i^ /jji'.iid'.rn'es, S/zr, etc. — \"ernon townsnip is 
located in the north-western part of the county. It is 
bounded on the north by Hamilton and Madison counties, 
on the east by Green township, on the south by Center and 
Buck-creek, and on the west by Marion county. In extent 
it is seven miles in length and live miles in width, with four 
sections out of the north-west corner, and is, therefore, 
composed of thirt}'-one sections. It is one of the two 
townships in the county with an irregular outline. Its 
greatest length is east and west. It lies in township seven- 
teen north, and is in ranges five and six east, two tiers of 
sections on the west being in range live and the remain- 
der in range six east. The range line runs one mile east 
of McCordsville, one-third of a mile west of Woodberrv, 
and forms the east line of 11. Caldwell's and John Mc- 
Cord's farms. 

Surface^ Soil., IJr(iiiia<j^\\ and Prodv.clioiis. — Tlie sur- 
tace is exceedingh' level throughout almost the entire 
township, and especially in the western part; indeed, it is 
the only township in the county in which we have been 
unable to lind a few hills. Along Flat Fork, and for a 
short distance back therefrom, the surface is slightly undu- 
lating, and section nine, in which Fortville is located, and 
through which Flat Fork passes out of the county, is con- 
siderably rolling and somewhat hilly. 

The soil is of black or brown loam, deep, rich and 
exhaustless in resources, with the exception of three or 
four sections, ^vhich have more or less a clay soil. 

Prior to the use of tile, a considerable number of small 
wooden ditches and a few open ditches were sunk in the 
township. Since the location of a tile factory within her 
borders, a number of tile ditches have been put in by her 
more enterprising citizens. But she is still in need of 
vastly more. Indeed, in comparison with other townships 
as to drainage, she is behind ; and we would suggest the 
construction, by her liberal citizens, of a few broad, deep 
outlets under the new ditch law, approved April 8, i88i, 
which provides not only for the construction of a ditch. 



VERNON TOWNSHIP. 



313 



but the keeping in repair, and, in short, is simple and 
complete in itself, and superior to any other drainage law 
ever placed upon our statute books, not excepting the act 
providing for the draining and reclaiming of wet lands, 
approved March 9, 1875. In drawing these comparisons 
between the townships in surface and drainage, we speak 
not from guess-work or hearsay, but actual observation. 
The writer has a number of times been on ever}^ public 
road, in many of the residences, and all of the school- 
houses in the county, and know whereof we speak. 

The chief productions are wheat, corn, hogs, cattle, 
flaxseed, potatoes, fruits, flax straw, lumber, horses, oats, 
and the products of the hennery and dairy. In 1880, 
Vernon township produced on 2,644 ''icres, 39,660 bushels 
of wheat ; on 3,727 acres, 77,200 bushels of corn ; on 332 
acres, 9,960 bushels of oats ; on 509 acres, 763 tons of 
hay ; being the fewest acres and fewest bushels of wheat 
of any township in the county, and also the fewest bushels 
of corn. 

Streams.— Sugar Creek, the largest stream in the town- 
ship, passes through the south-east corner to the extent of 
about one mile, cutting ofl" a small portion of section 
thirty-five. Buck Creek rises in the central portion of 
the township, flows south by south-west, and passes out 
near the south-west corner of section thirty-two. Flat 
Fork, a very small stream, rises near the south-east cor- 
ner of section twenty-seven, meanders north about two 
and one-half miles ; thence north-west, passing out of the 
township about three-fourths of a mile west of Fortville, 
near the south-west corner of section nine. It is ditched 
nearly the entire length, and has no banks. 

J^/rsi Land Entry and First Settlers. — The first land 
entry in this township was made by George Crim, on the 
i6th day November, 1826, being the east half of the south- 
west quarter of section twenty-nine, in township seven- 
teen north, and range six east. The second entry was 
made by Samuel Henr}^, in the same section, and in the 
same month and year. 
21 



314 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Amono- the first settlers were John I5rooks. Joe Winn, 
Richard Stokes, Natlian Bhickburn, Micajah Shull, David 
Fisher, the Crosslc}- family, the John Robb famih', Tarle- 
ton Walker, William and Sarah McCord, George Pritchet, 
Jacob Smith, Hiram Duncan, John Caudel, George 
Chappel, George Jackson, Jehu Denney, and Arthur Mor- 
rison. There are doubtless others who are entitled to a 
place in the above list, but their names have escaped our 
observation. The reading of the above will call to the 
minds of our readers pleasant memories of earlier da3's 
and hallowed associations with these brave frontier men, 
almost all of whom have gone. Forever gone I but not 
forgotten. They have left "foot-prints on the sands of 
time ; foot-prints which, perhaps, another, • sailing o'er 
life's sturd}' main, seeing, shall take heart again." 

A Fczv First T/i?'iigs. — The lirst preachers in the town- 
ship were Rev. Wyman and Thomas Jenkins ; first doc- 
tors, J. W. Harvey and Hiram Duncan ; lirst merchant. 
Perry Fort ; first school-house, near McCordsville ; first 
road, Noblesville road ; first mill, at Fort\'ille ; first post- 
master, Thomas Noel ; first postmaster at Woodbury, 
David Brown ; first postmaster at McCordsville, H. M. 
Thompson ; first pike, Noblesville road ; first land entr}', 
b}' George Crim-; first graded school, at McCordsville: 
first lodge. Masons ; first teachers, foreigners ; first railroad 
station, at Fortville : first marriage, David Caudel and 
wife, in 1836; first teacher, Thomas Sherman. The first 
election was in August, 1836 ; the ballots were thirteen in 
number, twelve democratic and one republican, all cast in 
a hat. 

Mills ami JFactorics. — The first mill in Vernon town- 
ship w^as a steam saw-mill, built in 1849, ^7 ^o^l & Co., 
at Fortville. In 1853, said Noel «& Co. erected a steam 
flouring mill in Fortville, and it was run for several years, 
when it met with the common fate of mills and factories 
in Hancock county, and returned to mother earth in dust 
and ashes. 

In 1854, E. II. McCord erected, in McCordsville, a 



3l6 HISTORY OP' HANCOCK COUNTY. 

steam flouring mill, which was successfully operated tor a 
number of years, when it met with a similar fate, and 
succumbed to the forked flames of the ferocious fire fiends 
In 1854, Hooker & Son built a steam grist and saw 
mill in Woodbury, which soon met with the like fate, being 
overcome with the warm embraces and enveloping sheets, 
of lier}' flames. 

In 1857, John Sample built and operated a shingle fac- 
tory for a time. 

There was a heading factory and woolen factory suc- 
cessfully operated for a time at Fortville, but each iwfi est 
at this date. 

There is running at this time, in the suburbs of Fort- 
ville, a steam flouring mill and a saw-mill. There is also 
a steam saw-mill in operation at McCordsville. 

Aaron Littleton operated a tile factory for a number of 
years, using the machinery formerly used by Eb. Steele 
in Buck-creek, in a tile factory in that township. 

An extensive tile factory has been in operation for 
several 3'ears a short distance south of Fortville, which has 
supplied the township with almost all the tile she has ever 
used. There is also a planing mill, a flax factory and a 
stave factory located near this same town. 

Andrew Hagen, ex-county treasurer, has an extensive 
flax-straw factory and grain elevator in Fortville. There 
is also a heading factory at F'ortville, and an extensive 
grain elevator at McCordsville, operated b}- T. J. Hanna. 
I^oads and Railroads. — The roads in this township^ 
like Buck-creek and other smaller sections of low, wet 
ground, were, until within the last few years, merel}' dirt 
and corduroy roads slightly impro\ed, and at times almost 
impassable. During the pike fever which swept over this^ 
county, this township, like others, was similarly affected, 
which resulted in the construction of about twenty-five 
miles of toll pike, nineteen of which are now tollable, in 
addition to a few miles which have been returned to the 
road district. It has a line runnin^f from Fortville to 
Greenfield, one from Eden to McCordsville, and one from 



VERNON TOWNSHIP 



v>i/ 



Fortville to Pendleton pike, in addition to a few other 
short Hnes. 

This township has one raih-oad extending diagonally 
ucross the township a distance of about seven miles, known 
as the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis 
R. R., or " Bee Line," for short, on which the company- 
has three stations in the territory under consideration, 
viz. : Fortville, Woodbury and McCordsville. Tele- 
graph lines also extend along the track of this company. 

Educational . — The first schools in this township were 
■subscription, or pay schools, taught by itinerant school- 
masters, and occasionally by a resident, for about three 
months during the winter season. The non-resident 
teachers usually taught by the term, or quarter, and 
boarded among the patrons, each of whom agreed to fur- 
nish him with board and lodging his proportionate length 
of time. Among the first school-houses, all of which at 
this earl}' date were mere pole cabins, were : One on 
Robbs's farm, one-half mile south of McCordsville ; one 
two miles east of McCordsville, and one in Fortville. 
There was no public school mone}^ at this time, except a 
small interest income from the congressional township 
school fund. There was no special school tax, and hence 
the state did not build the houses nor furnish fuel. Wood, 
like board, was usually furnished by the patrons, in pro- 
portion to the number of scholars subscribed. Teachers 
usually agreed only to give instruction in spelling, read- 
ing, writing, and arithmetic, to the single rule of three. 

This township, in the vote on the free school question 
in 1848-9, like her sister townships, was decidedly opposed 
to the inauguration of the proposed system. Her vote in 
1848 stood : "• Free school," forty ; " no school," seventy- 
four. In 1849 her vote stood: "Free school," seven- 
teen ; " no school," one hundred and two ; being a major- 
ity of eighty-five in favor of the old system, and, next to 
Buck-creek, the smallest vote in the county in favor of 
the constitutional amjiulnicmt pro\'Jding for a state system. 
In which tuiticjn should be free and equally open to all. 



3l8 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Since that time, however, Vernon has brought lierself up 
in harmony with the progressive spirit of the times on the 
subject of education, and other intellectual and moral enter- 
prises for the advancement and amelioration of mankind. 
The following will show the numbers and names of 
the public school-houses in Vernon, and the present 
instructors : 

f J. W. Smith, Supt.; 
I Jessie S.Jackson, 
Dist. No. I . .McCordsvillc . . .\ Frank O. Forts, 

I Ella Thompson, 
[ Assistants. 

Dist. No. 2 Worth Trittipo. 

Dist. No. 3 Ed. Cruml)augh. 

Dist. No. 4. .Denney's Fi^ank Smith. 

Dist. No. 5 . . Cook's Lawrence Duracli. 

Dist. No. 6. .Duzan's Qiiittman Jackson. 

Dist. No. 7. .Woodbury J. W. McCord. 

Dist. No. 8. .Cushman's C. Vanlaningham. 

fM. Caraway, Pri)i.; 
I A. E. Cummins, 

Fortville \ Anna Chittenden, 

I AHce Cory, 

l^ Assistants. 

This township has nine school-houses — seven frames- 
and one brick — valued at, including ground, furniture and 
out-buildings, $12,000. Her maps, charts, globes and 
other school apparatus are valued at $400. Total value 
of school property in the township, including Fortville, 
$12,400. These buildings are mostly cheap frames ot* 
one room and no suitable out-buildings. Fortville and 
McCordsville each have commodious, substantial two- 
story bricks, well supplied \\\\\\ furniture, creditable alike 
to the people and trustees, under whose supervision they 
were erected. There has been a gradual increase in the 
scholastic population since 1853, the first enumeration. 
The returns for 1853 gave the township 469; enumeration 
for i86d, (>T^(i\ for 1870, 712 ; for 1881, 751 ; two hundred 
and twenty-si.x of which, in 1881, were reported for 
Fortville. 

Tozv)iship Trustees. — The following list sho\\'s the 



VERNON TOAVNSHIP. 



319 



names of the trustees in Vernon township, from the time 
of the election in 1859, ^^ which time the hxw was so 
changed that one trustee performed the duties previously 
devolving upon three trustees and a clerk, together with 
additional duties, so -that the law may be worthy of his- 
torical notice : 

Perry J. Brinegar 1859 Andrew Hagcn 1866 

Levi Thomas 1861, 1865 Stokes Jackson 1876 

G. W. Stanley 1863 Samuel Arnett 1880 

Remarks : Brinegar and Stanley each held the office 
two years ; Thomas, three years ; Hagen ten and Jackson 
four years. Hagen filled the office longer than any other 
man in the township. The financial interests of the town- 
ship are now entrusted to Samuel Arnett. 

Churches. — This township is reasonably well supplied 
with churches: The M. E., Christian and Catholic in 
Fortville ; one M. E. in McCordsville ; one Baptist in the 
eastern part of the township ; one Dunkard society in the 
south-east part, and one M. E. at Woodbury, a special 
account of each ot which we will give you further on. 

Population. — An examination of the census report of 
this township for a few decades, shows the following, to- 
wit: Population in 1850,908; in i860, 1,637; i^i 1870, 
2,518 ; in 1880, 2,306. 

Remarks : It must be borne in mind that the territory 
embodied in Vernon was not so large in 1850 as in subse- 
quent periods. From 1850 to 1853, Union township 
included within her borders the south-east corner of Ver- 
non. Union reports for 1850, 522 inhabitants ; hence a fair 
and proportionate estimate for the inhabitants in the terri- 
tor}- now embodied in Vernon in 1850 would be 1,038. 
In our reports above of the population, we have included 
in Vernon township both Fortville and McCordsville. 
McCordsville in 1870 had 168 inhabitants ; Fortville in 
1870 had 387. We have no official reports of the 
number of these two places for anv other dates. 



320 HISTORY OI' IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 

Polls (iiid Vofrs. — A Yoter in Indiana, at this date, is 
any native born, or naturalized foreign born male citizen,, 
of sound mind, twenty-one years of age, there being now 
no distinction as to color, the only bar being sex, non-nat- 
uralization, disfranchisement and non- compos ^noitls. The 
poll in Indiana is any legal voter under fifty ; hence, the 
distinction between polls and voters is marked and consid- 
erable, the latter being much the more numerous. The 
polls for Vernon township in 1840 were 96; 1850, 121; 
i860, 254 ; 1870, 232 ; 1880, 582. Her vote in i860, 309 ; 
1870, 412 ; in 1880 her vote stood democratic, 318; repub- 
lican, 254 ; independent, 10; democratic majorit}', sixty- 
four. We do dot give the vote prior to 1853, tor the reason 
that before that time voters could cast their ballots at any 
precinct in the county, and any reports prior to that time 
would not be a fair showing for the townships. This town- 
ship has two voting precincts : First, at Fortville ; second, 
at McCordsville. 

Value of Real and Personal Property. — This township 
reports 19,936 acres of land, valued at $446,460, exclusive 
of Fortville ; improvements on the same, valued at $68,840, 
being an average of about $26 per acre. Value of lots, 
$4,720; value of improvements, $10,800; value of per- 
sonal, $150,835 ; value of telegraph, $730 ; railroads, $104,- 
115 ; total value of propert}^ in Vernon township, exclusive 
of Fortville, $786,800. Fortville reports 120 acres of land, 
valued at $1,920; improvements on same, $3,725; value 
of lots, $17,180 ; value of improvements, $39,640 ; personal 
property, $47,425; telegraph, $30; railroad, $12,850. 
Total value of taxable property in Fortville, $122,820. 

Taxes. — To obtain a correct idea of the growth in 
wealth of the township, the reader should compare the 
taxes of tho earlier decades with the present. This town- 
ship paid taxes to the amount of $412.86 in 1840, on 
$62,711 worth of property; $590.89 for 1850, on $71,405 
worth of propert}^ ; $3,140.80. for i860, on $411,910 worth 
of property; for 1870, $7,841.31, on $567,025 worth of 
property. Vernon pa3's $9,903.60 of this amount. The 



322 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



following men are assessed for $50 and upwards for 1881, 
to be paid in 1882 : 

Apple, J.J .$12720 Jackson, A. G 71 14 

Blanton, Hiram 63 84 Kelly, Pat 51 68 

Brown & Brown 75 4- Kingen, Samuel 5^ 08 

Boyd & Hough 109 20 Lane, Jacob 50 88 

Brooks, Madison 51 60 McCord, William.... 51 28 

Brooks, Samuel. ..... 96 22 McCord, Elias 100 98 

Caldwell, Harvey. . . . 130 66 McCord, Jacob 77 88 

Cushman, Isaac 81 52 Merrill, J. S loi 96 

Crossley, Henr}' 121 92 Morrison, Wm 116 82 

Davidson, H. S 59 82 Shore, William 56 02 

Denney, Alfred 116 14 Shultz, James 5^ 62 

Denney, J. W 86 44 Shultz, Jacob 53 58 

Davis, A. C 91 60 Stokes, Richard 54 7^ 

Fort, Washington.... 50 40 Streight &. Streight. . 67 20 

Ferrell, Mary 79 20 Stottenger. H 55 20 

Fred, Israel 61 00 Thomas, J. H 64 54 

Guild, H 63 06 Thomas, David 66 60 

Guinn, Joseph's heirs, 55 20 Vail, Aaron 93 7^ 

Hanna, E. D... . .. 89 16 Walker, Tarlton 57 82 

Hanna, T. J 75 54 Winn, Joseph 1 1 5 42 

The levy is J^i.20 on each $I03 worth of taxable prop- 
erty. Of the total amount of taxes paid in the township, 
as reported above, Fortville pays $2,212.05. ^^ this 
amount, the following men, in 1882, will pay $50 or 
upwards : 

Crist, G. P $ ^7 74 Record &Voorhes... 84 28 

Hagen, Andrew 123 38 

The levy in Fortville is $1.61 on each $100 worth of 
taxable property. 

yusticcs oj' the Peace. — Vernon township, though rather 
young in y-ears, can compare favorably with older town- 
ships in her arrav of ex-justices, as the following list of 
names, accompanied bv date of election, will show : 

John S. Apple 1837, 1S41 Lewis P. Peal 1864 



VERNON TOWNSHIP. 323 

Jehu Denney 183S William H. Foley 1866 

William Caldwell. . 1S40, 1S55 Emil Lenz 1869, 1878 

Walt. Denney 1845 William G. Scott 1871 

William F. McCord 1846 Dennis Tobin 1872 

Jesse Cook . . . 1850, 1869, 187S J. B. Galbreath 1872, 1876 

Elias McCord 1852 Lewis Chappel 1874 

Azel Hooker 1856 Jacob Denney 1878 

Thomas R. Noel 1S57 O. P. Hastings 1878 

Smith McCord i860, 1868 James W. McCord 1880 

.Solomon Jackson i860 Cicero Vanlaningham. . . . iSSo 

William Anderson 1864 

Among the ex-justices of Union township during her 
existence from 1838 to 1853, which, as we have previ- 
ously remarked, included four sections now constituting 
the south-east corner of Vernon, were : 

James Reeves 1840 Levi Leary 1846, 1851 

David W. O'Dell 1841 E. N. Wright 1850 

William B. Martin 1S45 R. N. Dunn 1853 

James W. McCord and Cicero Vanlaningham are the 
present acting justices of the township. From 1828 to 
183 1, during the time that Vernon township belonged to 
Sugar-creek, her petty strifes were settled by George 
Leachman ; and from 1831 to 1836, during which time 
Vernon was embodied in Buck-creek, Morgan Brinegar, 
(3wen Jarrett and W3'att Denney were invested with legal 
authority to hear and try all causes over which such sub- 
judges have jurisdiction. Esquires Brinegar and Denney, 
who are reported as the first justices in Buck-creek on 
page 122, always resided in the territory now embodied in 
Vernon township. Most of the above are still with us, 
active, prominent citizens, well-known in the township, 
and not entire strangers to most of our readers. John S. 
Apple, William Caldwell, Smith McCord, Emil Lenz and 
J. B. Galbreath were each twice clothed with judicial 
power. Jesse Cook gave such general satisfaction to liti- 
«rants and others interested, that he was three times hon- 



3^4 



HISTORY OF' ^A^'COCK COUNTV 



ored with the votes of his constituents. Others of the 
above have been solicited longer to preside, but declined 
in favor of private life, preferring contentment in home 
duties to the labor and emoluments of office, remembering, 
perhaps, the injunction of Shakspeare — 

'• We must not make a scare-crow of the Law, 
Setthig it to fear the Birds of Prey, 
And let it keep one shape, till Custom maketh 
Their Perch, and not their terror." 

Ex-Coiintx Officers. — Vernon has contributed her mite 
in forming the various corps of county officials to serve 
the people as their agents and ser\'ants in local matters. 
Among those who were called in their day to serve the 
people, we note John Myer, auditor, and William P. 
Brokaw, commissioner. Among the living we call to mind 
Elias McCord, Reason Perry, and David Caudell, commis- 
sioners ; Smith McCord, representative ; Andrew Ilagen, 
treasurer; and S. T. Yance}', senator. 

Murders, Stnc'/'dcs, (Did Fatal Accidents. — Eli Prickett 
was killed b}' Benjamin Copper in 1866, at FortN'ille. 

John Trittipo lost his life at a part}', in a row, one mile 
south of Woodbur}', on New Year's evening, 1857, at the 
house of Thomas 01ve\'. 

A daughter of Levi Myers was accidentalh' shot Sep- 
tember 17, 1862, from which she died the da}' following. 

Sanford Cummins, a young man about thirty years of 
age, committed suicide in the fall of 1878, in his uncle's 
store in McCordsville. Mr. C, a young man of excellent 
parentage, had previously been a trusted clerk in the 
store, and had the confidence of his employer and the 
respect and esteem of the customers and all who knew 
him ; but having contracted the habit of tippling and its 
accompanying evils, he lost respect for himself, and, for 
some reason, his position in the store ; and, while under 
the influence of intoxicants and reason dethroned, he was 
caught one e\'enin<»' in the store abstracting mone\' from 



VERNON TOWNSIIir. 325 

the vault. Being arrested, he begged time to shave him- 
self before being taken to the county jail, Avhich request 
was granted. After lathering his face, with razor in hand, 
he stepped to a mirror and, with one monstrous stroke, 
severed the trachea and the carotid artery, and fell a life- 
less form. The cause of this sudden terminus to a prom- 
ising life, as assigned by himself a short time prior, was 
whisky and its resultant evils. Let the young take warn- 
ing, Shakespeare says : 

•' Oh, thou invisible spirit of Wine, 

If thou hast no name to be known by, 

Let us call thee — Devil! 

****** 

Oh, that men should put an enemy to their mouths, 
To steal away their brains! 

* * * * * * 

One draught above heat makes him a fool; 

The second mads him; and a third drowns him." 

RccafitnIatio)i. — Vernon township, organized in 1836 
with an irregular outline, contains thirty-one sections, one 
incorporated town, and two villages ; has three border 
counties, three border townships, one railroad, five pikes, 
one mill stream, two smaller streams, three railroad 
stations, seven frame school-houses, two two-story graded 
school buildings, hfteen teachers; $12,000 invested in 
school-houses, $400 in apparatus ; 771 school children ; has 
had six ex-trustees since 1859, five of whom are living; 
has five Christian denominations, six church buildings, 
seven lodges, three political parties, 2,306 population, 582 
voters, two voting precincts, nineteen miles of tollable 
pike, a number of miles of non tollable pike, forty-three 
persons who pay over $50 taxes each ; has had seven 
ex-county officers, five of whom are living ; has a host of 
living ex-justices, two extensive grain elevators, one flax 
mill, one steam flouring mill, two steam circular saw mills, 
one planing mill, one tile factory, one heading and stave 
factory, 20,064 ^^^res of land, $527,570 invested in land 



326 HISTORY OF HANCOCK CO^NTV. 

and improvements, $106,270 worth of lots and improve- 
ments, $163,680 worth of personal property, $720 worth 
of telegraph property, $117,265 worth of railroad prop- 
erty, two express offices, two telegraph offices, three post- 
offices, nine physicians, a republican trustee, a democratic 
assessor, merchants, druggists, grocers, mechanics, saloon- 
ists, an increasing valuatioji, a decreasing population, a 
fertile soil, industrious citizens, two attorneys, two acting 
justices, a number of notaries, 187 male dogs, five (?) 
female doo-s, and a democratic majority of sixty-four. 



CHAPTER XX. 

VERNON TOWNSHIP Coilf/ll t'.CiL 

FORTVILLE, 

once called Walpole, in honor of Thomas D. Walpole, but 
now Fortville, /. r.. Fort's Town, was laid out b}' Cephus 
Fort, on the 12th da}' of P'ebruar}-, 1849. ^^ '^^ located on 
the Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and Indianapolis R. 
R., north by north-west of Greenfield thirteen miles. It 
is on the banks of Flat Fork, within a mile of the Madison 
and Hamilton county lines. It is pleasantly located, in a 
rich grain growing district. The original plat consisted of 
forty-one lots. The ffrst addition was made by Shull, on 
the 20th of February, 1855, and consisted of live lots, 
located on the north-east of the original plat. The second 
addition was laid out by Noel, on the i6th day of Decem- 
ber, 1856, and consisted of fifteen lots and several large 
lots, located north-east of the old plat, betw^een the rail- 
road and Staats street. The third addition was made b}' 
Vanvelzer, on the 17th of December, 1856, and consisted 
of tw'elve lots, located south-west of the old plat, and on 



328 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

the north side of the raih"oad. The fourth addition was 
hud out by James Merrill, the records fail to show when, 
and consisted of fourteen numbered lots, located south- 
east of the old town. The fifth addition was made by 
Garrison Asbury, on the 19th day of August, 1872, and 
consisted of nine lots, located on the south side of the 
railroad, south-west of the old plat. The sixth addition 
was laid out by Record & Voorhes, on the 17th of Feb- 
ruary, 1873, and consisted of twenty-six blocks, designated 
b}' the twenty-six letters of the English alphabet, contain- 
ing 356 lots, located south of the railroad, and east of 
MerrilTs addition and the old plat. The land from which 
it was carved was entered by Alfred Shortridge, on the 
5th of January, 1835, being the south-east quarter of sec- 
tion nine, township seventeen north, and range six east. 
Staats made, perhaps, the first addition to the town, on the 
north of the old plat, but as we fail to find the proper 
records of the same, we are unable to give further reliable 
information relative thereto. Crouch also made an addi- 
tion of which there is no record. 

Fortville is a thriving business point, convenient to 
Indianapolis, on the Bee Line ; is a good market, has a 
population of 500, with a grain elevator, mills, factories, 
merchants, grocers, druggists, physicians, mechanics, a 
two-story brick school-house, U. S. express and daily 
mail, and other conveniences seldom possessed by a town 
of its size. 

Business cDid J^iisiiicss yT/r//.— The first business of this 
place was very limited, and of a simple nature, and con- 
sisted mainl}^ in bartering the few products of the pioneer 
frontier men for staple groceries and medicines, dry goods 
being mainly manufactured by themselves. Among those 
who first did business in this place were Perry Fort, Noel 
& Co., Joseph Chitvvood and the firm of Tague & Chand- 
ler. Thomas R. Noel, the first and present postmaster, 
has served almost continuously since the establishment of 
the office. Andrew Hagen was postmaster for a time, 
duriniT Buchanan's administration. Noel has also been 



VERXOX TOWNSHIP 



329 



railroad agent ever since the completion of the road, in 
1853- 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF FORTVILLE. 



Merchants — 

Josephus Bills, 
Rash &; Lefeber, 
Williain M. Baker. 

Druggists and Grocers — 
Gray & Walker, 
Brewster & Thomas. 

y>V<? cks in ith s — 

Ross Kelluin, 
Jarrett & Yary an. 
Jacob Stoehr. 

Hardware — 
T. H. Vanzant. 

Shoe Makers — 
John Smail, 
Frank Copper. 

Rest a Ji ra tc u r — 

Georo-e P. Crist. 



Restaurateur and Grocer — 
Elizabeth Ilutton. 

Und'rt'kWand W'g'nMk'r — 
McCarty & Son. 

Carpenters — 

L. W. Crouch, 
Brewster & Treher, 
Patterson & Kimberlin. 

Grain Dealers — 
Hagen & Shultz, 
McClarnon & Co. 

Millers — 

McClarnon & Co. 

Saiv-mill Proprietor — 
Henry Brown. 

Stave Factory — 
C. E. Harris. 



Livery Alan — 

William Hardv 



Tinner — 

Elmer West. 



Jhitchers — 

R. P. Brown, 
Manford & Meikle. 

Barber — 

Thomas Gardiner. 

Harness ^lakcr — 
T. C. Simmons. 
22 



Flax Mill— 

Andrew Hagen. 

Planing JMill — 
T^. W. Crouch. 

Attorneys and Notaries — 
Robert Colhns, 
Josephus Bills. 



330 HISTOKV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Plivsicians — Hotel Keepers — 

J. G. Stewart, «S: Son. C. P. Thomas, 

J. M.Jones, Isaac Wiseman. 

S. T. Yancey, 

T. K. Sanders. /'. M. and R. R. Agent— 

Thomas R. Noel. 



McCoRDSVILLE, 

a comparatively new and tiiri\ing little town on the C, 
C, C. and I. R. R., titteen miles north-west of Green- 
tield, and about the same distance north-east of Indian- 
apolis, is pleasantly located, and surrounded by rich, fer- 
tile soil, in the central western part of the township. It 
was laid out on the nth day of September, 1865, by James 
W. Negley, with thirty-five lots. The first addition was 
made by Hiday, on the nth day of February, 1869, and 
consisted of twenty-eight lots, located on the railroad, 
south-w'est of the original plat. The second addition was 
made by Bradley and McCord, on the 21st day of May, 
1873, and consisted of thirty-nine lots, located south of 
the first plat. The third addition was made by Nelson 
Bradley, on the 31st day of August, 1873, and consisted 
of sixty-seven lots, located south of Bradley & McCord's 
addition. The fourth and last addition was made by McCord, 
on the 4th day of September, 1S73, with eight lots, located 
east of original plat. The cemeter\' at this place was laid 
out by the I. O. O. F., on the i6th day of March, 1871, 
with one hundred and five lots and streets and alleys. 

McCordsville has a tvvo-stor}^ brick township school 
building, grain elevator, livery stable, saw-mill, mer- 
chants, physicians, carpenters, a butcher, and other con- 
veniences essential to the prosperity of a village of this 
size, numbering about three hundred inhabitants. It has 
also a U. S. express and daily mail. The land out of 
which McCordsville was carved had been entered by John 
H. Robb, on the 25th day of October, 1835, being the 
north-east quarter of section twenty-six, in township six- 



332 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

teen north and range five east. Dr. J. W. Ilervey, now 
ot' Indianapolis, was the first resident ph^'sician. Among 
the first business men were William Emery, Nelson Brad- 
ley, and a Mr. Littleton. Others have done business in 
the place from time to time, but we must hasten on to 
give a 

BUSINESS DIRECTORY OF m'cORDSVII.LE. 

General ^ferchants — Cooper — 

Harvey Caldwell, J. W. Negley. 

H. N. Thompson, 

Hanna & McCord. Blacksmiths — 

James M. Wright, 
Hardzuare and Groceries — Nelson Gasknis. 

Israel Fred. 

Butchers — 
Druggist — Craig, Stokes & Morrison. 

Michael Qiiigley. 

Ca rpcnters — 
Physicians — J. K. Kiniberlin, 

Thomas P. Hervey, George W. McCord. 

John D. Cory. 

Wagon Maker — 
Restaurateur — Eli Chevis. 

Thomas McCord. 

.S^u' Mill— 
Livery and Feed Stable — William Brooks. 

Moses N. Craig. 

Grain Dealers — 
T. J. Hanna, 
Stock Trader — H. N. Thompson, 

Aaron Vail. McCord & Hanna. 

Woodbury, 

a tiny burg on the C, C, C. and I. R. R., between Fort- 
ville and McCordsville, seventeen miles north-east of 
Indianapolis, was laid out on the 12th of December, 1851, 
by Ellen Wood, with thirty-two lots. It has had no addi- 
tions. Among the first business men of this place were 



\ERNox TOWNSHIP. ;^^;i, 

John Bills, Azel Hooker, Garrison Asbury, William and 
Joseph Bills, Taylor & Lockhart, Martindale, Taylor & 
Brown, P. J. Brinegar and G, W. Shultz. This place 
once did some business, but since the completion of the 
railroad, and the development of McCordsville and Fort- 
ville, it has lost somewhat its pristine glory. There was 
once a railroad agency and warehouse here for several 
3'ears, with Thomas Hawkins as agent. The warehouse 
was burned down, and the agency was discontinued. Its 
present merchant is David Brown. The sick and infirm 
are looked after by Dr. B. B. Witham. Its blacksmiths 
are J. W. Peik, John Olvey and G. L. Morrow. Post- 
master, David Brown. Among those that have been in 
the government service at this point are J. C. Bills, Gar- 
rison Asbury and P. J. Brinegar. Woodbury has one 
church, a district school, one store, a blacksmith shop, 
post-office and railroad station, a central location, and 
plenty of room for future development. 

Maxitau Tribe, No. 53, I. O. R. M., 

was organized January 8, 1875, '^^ Fortville. The first 
officers of this Indian Tribe were J. H. Treher, sachem; 
Andrew Kappes, senior sachem ; G. H. Jackson, junior 
sachem ; C. Y. Hardin, chief of records, and Garrison 
Asburv, keeper of wampum. The lodge organized under 
favorable circumstances, with about twenty members, and 
is still on the war path and around the camp fires with 
increasing numbers. Its present officers are : C. V. 
Hardin, S. ; Thomas Toby, S. S. ; Nat. Lake, J. S. : 
Andrew Kappes, keeper of wampum. Total membership, 
twenty-eight. Concil meetings and camp fires kindled 
\\ ednesdav evening of each week. 

National Chrisitan Temperance Union. 

There was for a number of years a temperance organ- 
ization in Fortx'ille, in addition to a Good Templar lodge. 
In February or March, 1879. D. B. Ross, of Indianapolis, 



334 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

in connection with the Christian and M. E. churches, con- 
ducted a revival, during which six hundred persons signed 
the pledge. A branch of the National Christian Temper- 
ance Union was organized, with J. B. Anderson as presi- 
dent, S. H. McCarty vice-president, Irena Anderson sec- 
retary, Mrs. Dr. Stuart treasurer, and a board of five 
managers. A constitution was adopted, making the officers 
elective semi-annually. S. H. McCarty, J. B. Anderson 
and J. C. McCarty have been the presidents of the order. 
Meetings weekly or semi-monthl^r have been sustained 
continuouslv since the date of organization. The work 
has mainly been done b}- home talent, prominent among 
whom were Elder J. W. Ferrell, and Revs. J. S. McCarty 
and J. F. Rhoades. Other ministers and temperance lec- 
turers have participated in the work. They have done 
good practical work, having succeeded in defeating appli- 
cations for license till at this date there is not a licensed 
saloon in the place. 

FoRTviLLE Lodge, No. 207, F. A. M. 
This lodge was granted a charter May 26, 1857. The 
first officers were James L. Dunnaha, W. M. ; Eastley 
Helms, S. W. ; George W. Kinniman, J. W. ; James H. 
Perr}^ treasurer ; Hiram Dunnaha, secretary ; Samuel 
Arnett, S. D. ; Peter Staats, tylor. The present officers 
are Samuel Arnett, W. M. ; Perry King, S. W. ; M. Jar- 
rett, J. W. ; J. Jarrett, treasurer : A. R. Chappel, secretary' ; 
A. C. Davis, S. D. ; Volney Davis, J. D. ; A. J. Branden- 
burg, tvlor ; Reuben Patterson and Joseph Bills, stewards. 
The lodge owns a comfortable, commodious hall, with the 
appropriate emblems of tlie order, in tlie second stor}' over 
Bills's dry goods store. The order is in a fiourishing con- 
dition, with a total membership of thirty-eight. The reg- 
ular meetings occur on Saturday evening on or before the 
hill of the moon in each month. 

Edwards Lod(;e, No. 178, 1. O. O. F., 
was instituted October 10, 1856, at Fortville. Charter 



VERNON TOWNSHIl'. 335 

members: J. H. Perry, R, C. Pitman, C. P. Thomas, II. 
H. Rutherford, A. Staats, T. W. Ileisin, Peter Morrison, 
J. B. McArthur, Peter Staats, Sen. ; J. S. Merril, Wood 
Browning, Silas Helms, J. T. Russell, J. S. Edwards, G. 
H. Arnold, and A. Birchfield. The first officers of this 
lodge were : James Perry, N. G. ; R. C. Pitman, V. G. ; 
C. P. Thomas, sec'y, and H. H. Rutherford, treasurer. 
The present officers are : T. II. Vanzant, N. G. ; F. W. 
Brewster, V. G. ; J. H, Treher, sec'y, and Andrew 
Kappes, treasurer. This lodge took its name from Hon. 
William R. Edwards, formerly mayor of the city of Terre 
Haute. The order owns the room in which they meet, 
and the members seem to be dwelling together in friendship, 
love and truth. The stated meeting, occur Friday even- 
ings of each week. Total membership, twenty-six. 

The Daughters of Rebecca, a branch of the Odd Fel- 
lows, composed of women, hold their meetings in the same 
room each Saturda}^ evening. Their lodge is known as 
Fortville Lodge, No. 80, and was chartered March 29, 
1872. The first and present officers include some of the 
most noble women of Fortville. 



McCoRDsviLLE Lodge, No. 338, I. O. O. F., 

was instituted in the upper room of the Tiiompson ware- 
house, November 17, 1869, with the following charter mem- 
bers : Green McCord, N. G. ; J. H. Thomas, V. G. ; 
Aaron Vail, sec'}', and William McCord, treasurer; C. 
W. Hervey, David Brown, P. A. Raber, J. Bills, J. H. 
Helms, John Dunham, J. W. Negley, Alfred Bills, Israel 
Fred, William Sapp and Sylvester Gaskins. The lodge 
continued to hold its meetings in the original room, until 
an increase of numbers made it necessary to obtain a new 
hall, whereupon the lodge purchased a convenient and 
commodious room, in a brick building owned b}' Caldwell 
& Steele. Here the order, pleasantly located, in a room 
well furnished, has grown financially and numerically, 
until it can boast of fortv-five active members, together 



^^6 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

with an orphan fund of nearly $400, and a general fund of 
^2,400. The present officers are: A. J. Gale, N. G. ; 
Frank Klepfer, V. G. ; J. P. McCord, sec'3% and John 
W. McCord, treasurer. The oldest member of the lodge 
is William Morrison, who was initiated at Pendleton Lodfje, 
No. 88, on the 8th of May, 1854. 

McCoRDsviLLE Lodge, No. 140, F. A. M., 

was organized under dispensation in 1852, and was granted 
a charter in 1853. The lodge held its meetings for a time 
in the second stor}- of Elias McCord's house. B. G. Ja}^ 
W. M. ; Dr. J. W. Hervey, S. W. ; Nelson Bradley, J. 
W. This lodge was removed to Oakland in 1853, and, 
retaining its old number, was known as Oakland Lodge, 
No. 140. 

McCoRDSviLLE LoDGE, No. 501, F. A. M.. 

was fully organized under a charter granted May 25, 
1875. Among the first officers were Thomas P. Hervev, 
W. M. ; Henry Crossley, S. W. ; Ebenezer Steele, J. W. 
The present officers are Henry Crossley, W. M. ; James 
H. Kimberiin, S. W. ; James H. Wright, J. W. ; Dudley 
Hervey, secretary ; Elias McCord, treasure ; Jesse H. 
Jackson, S. D. : Andrew J. Stanley, J. D. ; E. Chevis, 
t\'lor. To this lodge belong some of the sturdy men of 
McCordsville and vicinity. The lodge is not large, but 
prosperous. A chapter (No. 44) of the Masonic order 
was organized at McCordsville on the 23rd day of May, 
i860. A council was established under a dispensation 
granted on the 8th day of March, 1881. The Masonic 
order at McCordsville has a splendid room, well fur- 
nished, and the lodge is in a healthful, prosperous condi- 
tion financially and otherwise. 

FoRTviLEE M. E. Church 
was organized in 1854, in the then little town of Fortville. 



338 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

The following named members had, for a year prior to the 
Fortville organization, constituted a class across the line 
in Hamilton county : Peter Staats and wife, Martin Shaf- 
fer and lady, Mathias Shaffer and wife, Hiram Rutherford 
and wife, R. C. Pitman and lady, Henry Humphreys, 
wife and mother, and Mrs, Stuart. They held their 
meetings during this time in private dwellings, barns, 
unoccupied houses, and on one occasion they had preach- 
ing in a saw^-mill. Rev. L. W. Munson observed that he 
had preached in the forests, fields, and out-of-the-wa}^ 
places, but never before in a saw-mill. The society 
becoming more numerous, in 1856 erected a frame church, 
large and substantial, which was dedicated by Rev. Thos. 
Bowman, D. D. Among the first ministers were Revs. 
M. Wyman, Eli, Rammel, James Black, J. S. McCarty, 
and L. W. Munson. The present minister is J. S. 
McCarty. 

In connection with this church is established one of the 
best Sunday-schools in the count}'. Below is a summary 
report for the year 1878: Average attendance, one hun- 
dred and forty-seven ; smallest attendance, eight}' ; largest 
attendance, two hundred and twenty-four. There was 
donated b}' all of the classes for the year, J^i 21.51. Re- 
ceived from sale of journals, $7.22. The number of 
papers distributed during the year were : Everybody s 
Pa^cr, 1,200 copies; Sunday School Advocate, 2,400 
copies; Good JVews, 1,200 copies; Picture JLesso)i Paper, 
1,000 copies; Temperance Alliance, 1,200; Berean Lcsso)i 
Leaves, 1,400. We have sufficient evidence before us 
fully establishing the fact that this is one of the most live, pro- 
gressive, well disciplined, liberal, truth-seeking, Bible- 
searching Sunday-schools which it is our privilege to 
notice in this historv. This school was organized in 1856. 
The first superintendent was Martin Shaffer, followed by 
William M. Baker, the present superintendent, who has 
held this position of trust and honor for more than twent}- 
three vears. 



vekxox township. 339 

St. Thomas' Catholic Church, 

in Fortville, was built in 1869, under the ministration of 

D. J. McMullen, who was followed by Revs. J. B. Crow- 
ley, Logan, Fabel, Victor, ct al. Among the first Catholics 
in the place were Patrick Kell}^ George Voucher, John 
Callahan, Charles Bird, Daniel Mack and Thomas Tobin. 
The congregation consists at this time of sixteen families. 
Services are held on the third Sunday of each month. 
The membership are in peace and harmony, and the 
organization is in a healthy condition, performing its pre- 
scribed functions with efficiency. 

German ]^aptist, or Dunkard Church, 

was organized in the year 1852, in a log school-house, in 
the south-east corner of the township. Among the first 
members were Alfred Denney and wife, George and Nancy 
Kingery, William Thomas and lady, Burto W. Jackson and 
helpmate. Among those who have pointed out the way of 
life and salvation in this corner of the moral vine3'ard are 

E. Cavlor, D. Harmon, B. Bowman and George Hoover. 
The first communion was held at the private residence of 
Alfred Dennev, in the year 1854, conducted by E. Caylor 
and G. Studebaker. The organization has held its meet- 
.ngs for a number of years in the school-house on iVlfred 
Denney 's farm. The present membership is from fifty to 
sixty, including our old friend and Mexican veteran, Alfred 
Dennev. 



M. E. Church, Woodbury, 

was built in the year 1874, at a cost of $1,100, and dedi- 
cated b}' Samuel Lamb. The first trustees were Franklin 
Dunham, John Sample and John Hooker. Meetings were 
held prior to the building of the hovise, in a school-house, 
one mile north. The first members were tew but faithful, 
and the seciety has continued to grow to this date. The 



340 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

lirst minister was J. B. Carnes : present, Rev. Phillips. 
There has been, in connection with this society, an organ- 
ized Sunday school for several years. John S. Sample is 
the present superintendent, and B. A. Brown, secretary. 

GiLLUM Chapel (M. E.), 

at McCordsville, dates its history back to the year 1849, 
when a class was formed at the Robb school-house. 
Among the first members, were J. W. Hervey the Thomp- 
sons, Thomases, McCords, Littletons, Crumps ct al. ; and 
amon^j those who stood on the walls of Zion were Re\s. 
Mershon, J. W. Smith, Samuel Lamb, Thomas Stabler, 
White, Maxwell and C. P. Wright. The house now occu- 
pied was built in 1854, '^^ "^ ^^^"^ ^^ $i?300, and dedicated 
by N. H. Gillum, from whom it derived its name. The 
present minister is Rev. G. N. Phillips. Total member- 
ship, forty. Adjoining the church on the west is a ceme- 
tery, where slumber several of the faithful. The first 
interment was Oliver Robb, Sen., May 22, 1854. The 
Sunday school in connection with this church is officered 
b}' Oscar Bills, superintendent, and William E. Thompson, 
secretary. 

Church of Christ, Fortville. 

A few of the members from the organizations on Lick 
Creek, near Alfont, and at the Carolina school-house, in 
Hamilton county, who w^ere living in or near Fort\ille, 
expressed a desire to effect a church organization in the 
town of Fortville. J. W. Ferrell, a student of Kentucky 
University, was called to hold a meeting, which began on 
Friday night, August 3, 1871. On Saturday', tlxC 4th. 
Elder N. A. Walker, of Indianapolis, came, and on Mon- 
day following, August 6, 1871, in a temple of God's own 
building, in the woods of Levi Thomas, while the winds 
were rustling the leaves above them, and the Holy Spirit 
stirred their hearts within them, a little band of t\vont\- 
three pledged themselves to God, the father, and Clirist, 



VERNON TOWNSHIP. 



341 



the mediator, and the " Book," as their only guide. The 
persons composing this first organization are as follows ; 
Mary A. Ellingwood, Elizabeth Ellingwood, Margaret 
Rash, Winnie Clark, Martha A. Scott, Susan Ferrell, 
Mary Iliday, Jane Bicknell, Simmie Harter, Martha Troy, 
Mary Edmonds, Mary A. Cavender, Jennie Ferrell, Jennie 
Scott, Mary A. Fort, L. W. Crouch, Geo. Scott, E. Ferrell, 
G. W. Ferrell, S. P. Setters, Jno. K. Rash, Andrew Ferrell 
and Benjamin Cavender. Andrew Ferrell was chosen elder, 
and George Scott and Benjamin Cavender deacons. The 
meeting continued thirteen da3-s, leaving the church fortv- 
six in membership. They decided to build a house at 
once, and by the aid of sister churches, the M. E. Church 
in Fortville, many kind friends, and great sacrifices on the 
part of the members, a neat house, costing $1,400, was 
built, and on the 3rd Sunday in June, 1872, was dedicated 
to the worship of God by Elder N. A. Walker, of 
Indianapolis. The house was built by L. W. Crouch, and 
he, with Jno. K. Rash and George Scott, were elected 
trustees. They called Elder J. W. Ferrell, formerl}^ of 
Kentucky, as their first pastor, who for seven years gave 
more or less of his time among them. The church at one 
time numbered nearly two hundred members, but death 
removals and other causes have reduced the number to less 
than fifty. Elder L. L. Dale and Elder Addison have 
served the church for indefinite periods, and Elders Walker, 
Canfield, Cutts and l^lount have labored some for them. 
The church has a Sunday school, but it has been greatly 
reduced. The death roll has been large, but we hope 
they answer to the roll call of the redeemed. The church 
at present has no pastor. 

Mt. Carmei. Regular Baptist CiiURCii 

was organized in December, 1837, '^^ ^^^^ house of James 
Dennev, with thirteen constituent members. To aid in the 
organization were present members from the sister churches 
in Brandywine and Fall Creek. The first pastors of this 



342 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COl'NTY 



society were Elders Thomas Jenkins and Morgan McC^iery. 
followed by J. F. Johnson and Thomas Martin. The 
present pastor is David Caudell, one of the oldest living- 
members, having joined the church in May, 1838. The 
rirst meetings of this body were held at private houses, 
then in a log church a little north of Fortville. In 1863, 
the society built a new frame at what is knoun as Cush- 
man's X roads, south-east of Fortville, at a cost of $700. 
Total membership at this date, thirty-eight. 

JoSEl'H WvxN. 

a native of Fayette county, Pennsyhania, came to Han- 
cock counnty at the ver}- early date of 1822, being then a 
boy thirteen years of age, and is now consequently one of 
the oldest residents of the count}-. Mr. Wynn says at the 
time of his moving to the county the red men were thick, 
both the Miamies and Pottawattamies. The next year after 
Mr. W3'nn's settlement, the coin"t at Pendleton was organ- 
ized for Madison covmt}', including also what is now 
Hancock count}', throughout which it had jurisdiction. 
The first fine w^as assessed by Judge Winsal against Dr. 
Hiday, he having committed an assault upon one John 
Rogers, in the court room at Pendleton, and upon being 
arraigned, plead guilty and was fined six and one-fourth 
cents. Mr. Wynn was present at the execution of the 
white men for the massacre of the seven Pottawattamies, 
on Lick Creek, March 4, 1824. The whites were greatlv 
alarmed over the outrage, and Henry Hiday w^as sent to 
Franklin county to get the rifle corps to protect the frontier. 
Mr. Wynn says he helped to cut the first wood used at 
Indianapolis to burn charcoal, for which he received 
twenty-five cents per day. That at^er people began rais- 
ing wheat, it was a rule to cut three forty-rod throughs 
before breakfast. The wheat was threshed with a flail, 
and cleaned with a sheet. After the wheat was ground, 
it was run through a hand sieve. A little later a bolting 
apparatus was used, something similar to a grindstone. Mr. 



VERNON TOWNSHIP. 



343 

W\nn helped to roll the logs for the clearing where Fort- 
ville now stands. The early settlers would plant corn in 
the middle of June, and in the fall kiln-dr}- it for bread. 
The first wheat marketed was hauled to Brookville, Frank- 
lin county, and sold for forty cents per bushel. It took 
from live to six days to make the round trip. Mr. Wynn 
is a consistent member of the Christian Church, an indus- 
trious, well-to-do farmer, and a good citizen. 



OUR FOREFATHERvS. 

Our fathers settled in this land. 

Not for wealth alone nor power : 
They came to till the fruitful soil, 

Industriously to improve each shining hour. 
Oppression deep spread through the land. 

And all their rights asunder tore. 
Hence these brave men with cou'rage came 

To find a holier, happier hoiue. 

But where are they we speak of now ? 

Some in bright spheres immortal dwell ; 
ThcN^'re gone, but lo ! in tender tones 

What wonders do their memorv tell. 
Farewell to those whose lives were given 

To toil and labor for our good ; 
Peace to their ashes ; slumber on 

Beneath the pine and maple-wood. 

Rose M. Thomi'son, 



CHAPTER XXI. 

hancock county in general. 

Introductory — " Our Country." 

With what emotions of pride and affection, and often 
of sorrow, does every true American speak of " our coun- 
try." Sometimes upon hearing flower}^ 4th of July orations, 
we are tempted to believe it all brag and conceit ; but when 
we hear them mourning over its evils, we are forced to 
believe that their feelings arise from a different source. 
Whether it be conceit or not, it is a feeling common to 
mankind. The Irishman sings of " my aine countrie ;" 
the German sings of " mein Deutche faterland ;" the 
American speaks of "our great and glorious United 
States." Two thousand years ago that great old Grecian 
philosopher, Socrates, said that his country was next to 
his God ; that it was his duty to work for it, and whatso- 
ever it commanded was to be done, and when it demanded 
his life, he gave it cheerfully. 

What nation is there on all this God's footstool that 
does not contain some noble souls, who would gladly give 
their lives for their country? Do not imph' that I include 
all soldiers in this class ; a few soldiers light and die with 
no other motive but love of country, but the motive of the 
majority is to gratify their own ambition or that of their 
leader. 

What then is this love of country? It is not a love for 
the fields, hills, mountains, rivers, or any other natural 
scenery, although they are very dear to us. It is a love 



OUR COUNTRY. 345 

for and an interest in our relations, our neigbors, and all 
those of our nationality. In its broadest sense it extends 
to all humanity, the world over. To prove that natural 
scenery is not the object of love of country, take a person 
living in a very beautiful land, with a good government 
and kind neighbors and friends, and, if he has the right 
kind of a heart within him, he will feel that his country 
lies very near his heart ; but let the government and his 
neighbors and friends be changed, and he will want to 
move away. If then a love of one's people and a love of 
humanity in general, constitutes a love of country, I trust 
that tiiere are many of my readers who have that love, 
and who are willing and anxious to do all in their power 
to perform the work and advance the interests of our 
country. Hence it is our duty to-day, if we never have 
done so, to ascertain the part which God designs for us 
to act in the great drama of lit'e, and act it. 

Philosophers, from Plato to our own school, both heathen 
and Christian, tell us that the history of the world forms a 
great drama, the subject of which is Truth, and this Truth 
is identical with God himself, so the history of the world 
is a development, of man's knowledge of God. 

We may divide this drama into five acts. The first 
scene of the first act, from Adam to the flood, showed that 
all those who forget God shall be destroyed. The second 
scene extended from the flood to Abraham. Those great 
old pyramids and other remains show how great the 
Eg\-ptians were until thev turned to idolatry, when their 
glory departed. The third, from Abraham to Christ, 
taught the people that God is a great spirit, whose voice is 
thunder, w'hose messengers are flaming fire, who maketh 
the clouds his chariot, and who walketh upon the wings of 
the wind ; that he is so terrible that they dare not approach 
him, hence the need of an intercessor, which was to come 
in the person of Christ. In the second act, including the 
work of the arts, sciences, mathematics and astronomy 
among the Egyptian, Caldees, Persians, Arabs and Sara- 
cens, and that of literature and philosophy among the 
23 



346 IIIsrORV OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Greeks and Romans, the world was taught that man by 
knowledge can not lind out God. 

In the third act Jesus Christ, the Son of God, left the 
glory he had with the Father, took upon himself the nature 
of man, and did many mighty works. But few of the peo- 
ple had learned the lessons which God had been tr3'ing to 
teach them, so his work was necessarily confined to a few 
of the lower classes. In the second scene of this act the 
apostles and disciples preached the word and organized 
churches, which were purified by persecution. 

The fourth act, whose site was Western Europe, showed 
the sin of keeping science and religion out of the hands of 
the people; the need of earnest, thoughtful men, and of 
guarding against corruption, that "without charity we are 
as sounding brass and a tinkling cymbal." 

But few of the nations profited b}^ these lessons, and it 
does not seem to be God's way to reform nations, who, 
after having known Him, refuse to have Him rule over 
them, so He pronounced the sentence, "'Ye are weighed 
in the balance and found wanting." 

For sixteen centuries Christianity had been tried, and 
had proven itself to be no " cunningly devised fable," but 
something to satisfy the needs of man. And God in His 
wisdom seemed to say it is enough ; it is time that this 
religion have a chance to grow and spread among all 
nations. So He chose America, whose discovery He had 
brought about shortly before, as the scene of the fifth act. 
Hither fled the Puritans, Huguenots, Methodists, Qua- 
kers, the persecuted Christians from all Europe. All the 
early settlements which were successful were made under 
the direction of Christian powers. Those who sought 
wealth were soon destroyed or became disheartened and 
returned home. We were planted with Christ in this new, 
vast and good land that we might rise with Him in new- 
ness of national life. Taking the philosophy of history, 
then, it would appear that God's design for us is to give 
Christianity a chance to grow and spread. That religion 
whose fruits are love, joy, peace, long suffering, gentle- 



OUR COUNTRY. 347 

ness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance should 
grow. We have every opportunity and inducement to bring 
forth these fruits. Are we, as a nation, doing so ? Let us ex- 
amine : First, have we brought forth tlie fruits of love ? Did 
we love the red man as we should when we took awa}' his 
lands, dro\e him West and then killed him? Did we love 
the African as we should, when we stole him, beat him 
and worked him to death? Do we love the Chinese as we 
should, when we are so shamefully maltreating them? Is 
there a spirit of love between the North and the South? 
Are we as joyful and happy a people as we might be ? 
Certainh^ we fail in the fruits of peace. An e\il spirit 
arises at our political campaigns, and war is threatened. 
We ha\-e fought among ourselves, we have fought with 
our "mother countrv" and our neighbors. We have not 
been gentle and long suffering, but have always been 
ready and quick to resent wrong. Oh, how far have we 
failed in goodness I We have used deception and bribery. 
Some of our city life, the tramps, the Tammany Ring, 
Boss Tweed, and such characters show our bad side. As 
a nation we are too faithless, many professing to have no 
faith in an3'thing ; and the faith of many who do profess to 
believe in a Supreme Being is very weak, and they do not 
give it much exercise. Last of all the fruits which Paul 
enumerates, but not least, is that which made Felix tremble 
and say: "Go thy way for this time ; at a more conven- 
ient season I will call for thee." It is that which our 
nation is deficieint in, the greatest curse of our land. I 
I trust there are no souls saying to the cause, "go th}- wa}- 
for this time." Unless we awaken on this point, we will 
sleep the sleep of death, and be like Babylon, when Bel- 
shazzar and his nobles were drunk and Cyrus took the 
city. 

Oh, ye who love our country! how beat your hearts 
when you think of our drunken senate, when you think 
of all the money, time, talent and priceless souls that go 
to feed the demon, intemperance, and the wrecked homes, 
the broken-hearted wives, and the disgraced children that 



OUR COUNTRY. 349 

are left after he has dined. If we would not arouse and 
work against this evil, it would seem that the very stones 
themselves would cry out. The beasts of the field seem 
to laugh at the drunkard, because he is more beastly than 
they. The birds in their songs mock him. The trees lift 
up their heads to heaven, waft their arms in the breezes 
and praise their maker. They seem to cry out, shame upon 
man, endowed with an immortal soul, to be groveling 
along in the ditch, and never think of praising his creator. 
His fellow men turn their faces and pass by. 1'he Devil 
laughs at him, prematurely cuts him off and takes him to 
himself. Will we not hear these voices and awaken? Oh, 
women of our country I it is time that you were working, 
praying and doing everything in your power to drive out the 
demon. 

Oh, ye men who feel your hearts burning with a love 
of countr}', why will you not drop some of your petty polit- 
ical quarrels, and take sides upon some of the more 
important questions of the day? Why should you always 
be running the Republican and Democratic parties? The 
negroes are free now, and have a right to vote ; why not 
leave them now, take up new questions and form new 
parties? Mav we one and all, as we love our country and 
prize immortal souls, do all in our power to cleanse it from 
iniquity, and to establish it in virtue, that God may not 
pronounce against us that sentence : "Ye are weighed in 
the balance and found wantin<£." 



Morris Piersox, 

one of the earliest settlers of Greenfield, was born April 
26, 1799, in Chittenden county, Vermont, from whence he 
removed to Switzerland county, Indiana, in 1814; thence 
to Greenfield, Indiana, September 21, 1830. Mr. P. vis- 
ited Hancock county in the fall of 1826, while she 3'et 
belonged to Madison count}-. Mr. P. was twice nuirried. 
First, to Eliza Moore, Mav 27, 1827, who died February 6, 
1844 ; second, to Lucena Silcox, who is still living, on Feb- 



.-i:)^ 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



ruary 15, 1846. Mr. P. has liUed several positions of trust 
and profit. Bv reference to page thirty-nine and succeed- 
ing pages of this book, it will be observed that he was 
county treasurer for a number of years in the early history 
of the county. lie was also county school commissioner 
and county surveyor for a considerable time. Mr. P. was 
a Mason, a Republican, and a liberal, enterprising, prac- 
tical citizen, and did much for the encouragement of pikes, 
railroads, and other internal improvements. While em- 
ployed in his daily duties, he died suddenly on the morning 
of May 22, 1879. ^^S^^ ^^^^^' score years and twent3'-six 
davs. 



R. A. Smith, 

a native of Brandywine township, this covmty, dates his 
earthly career from January 10, 1853. His parents were 
plain, practical, pious pioneers, who earned their bread by 
the sweat of their brow, and taught their children that 
labor is honorable, and to till the soil is respectable. Mr. 
Smith's boyhood days were spent on the farm, where he 
hoed and harrowed in the summer, attended the district 
schools, fed the calves and hunted rabbits in the winter. 
After arriving at majority, he taught school for a time, but 
feeling dissatisfied with his acquirements, he resolved to 
make an eflbrt for a better education. In the fall of 1872 
he entered the New Garden high school in Wayne county, 
Indiana, and for one year was under the tutorage of the 
writer, who was then principal, after which he entered the 
State Normal at Terre Haute, Indiana, where he continued 
for two years ; after which he resumed teaching, at which 
profession he has given about nine years of his life in the 
district and graded schools of the county. He was one 
3-ear at McCordsville, and two years principal of the Fort- 
ville graded schools. September 2, 1879, Mr. Smitli was 
married to Miss Mar}^ E., daughter of H. B. Cole, of 
Shelby county. This short but pleasant and promising 
union was terminated b\' the death of Mrs. S., March 2, 



OUR COUNTRY. 35 I 

1880. About two years since, Mr. Smith resolved to ex- 
change the rod for the scalpel, and after reading for a time 
with the firm of Howard, Martin & Howard, of this city, 
lie attended lectures at Indianapolis, and was fast unravel- 
ing the abstruse, recondite intricacies of medicolegal 
studies, when he was called to public duties, being elected 
County Superintendent of Schools, of Hancock count\% 
Jul}' 30, 1881, to fill the unexpired term of the late Aaron 
Pope. Mr. S.,in politics, is a Democrat ; in church rela- 
tions, a Protestant Methodist, and in private and public 
life is above reproach. 

William Perry Smith, 

was born in Brandywine township, in this count}', March 
2, 1842. His father was a farmer, and his early life was 
passed, like that of most farmer's boys, in assisting about 
the farm. He, however, earl 3' manifested a disposition 
toward educational and literary pursuits, in which he was 
indulged and encouraged by his parents, who lived to reap 
the reward of their kindness in the success and honor of 
their son. 

Perry, as he was familiarly called by those who knew 
and loved him best, received his first school training at 
district school-house No. 3, situated but a few steps from 
his father's home. Here he mastered the rudiments of an 
English education, and then attended high school at Acton, 
Ind., one year. After this he began teaching, in which 
profession he was very successful, winning the love of his 
pupils and the respect of their parents by his noble quali- 
ties of mind and heart. During this time he also learned 
the art of photography, in the practice of which he em- 
ployed his time during the summer months, when not in 
school. Determining to fit himself still more thoroughl}' 
for his work of teaching he entered the State Normal 
School at Terre Haute in 1873. Here he attended two 
terms, doing four terms' work within the time of two. So 
thorough had been his previous training that he made the 
best per cent, on entering of any student of his class. 



35- 



IIISTORV OF HANCOCK: COUNTY. 



After leavinjj the Normal School he tauo'ht one year, at 
the end of which time received the appointment of County 
Superintendent of Hancock county, which position he held 
for two terms, or until the time of his death. To this field 
of labor he brought the same scholastic skill, accurate 
judgment and indomitable energy which had characterized 
his previous career, and the schools under his management 
were efficient and prosperous. Much of the work begun 
by him has since been carried forward to success, and it 
will be long ere his influence will cease to be felt in the 
schools of Hancock county. He was married July lo, 
1878, to Miss Agnes E. McDonald, an estimable young 




lady, also a teacher. He was taken sick of typhoid fever 
about February i, 1879, '^^^cl, after a lingering and painful 
illness, died March 25th of the same year. He was a 
member of the Methodist Protestant Church ; also an hon- 
ored member of the Masonic Fraternity, Knights of Pythias 
and the Brotherhood of United Workingmen. He was 
buried with Masonic honors at Mt. Lebanon Cemeter}-, 
near his old home, where loving hands have erected a 
monument to his memor\-. He was but in the mornin<; of 



OUR COUNTRY. 



353 



his manhood, but upon the threshokl of man}' promising 
possibihties, when death closed his eyes to all earthly things 
and blinded those of his friends with tears. Had he 
lived — but it is useless to speculate upon what might have 
been since now it can never be. In the hearts of those 
who knew him best is written this epitaph : 

He was a Christian who never disguised his profession ; 
a man whose acts honored his race. 

James C. Hawk, 

a Buckeye by birth, a Hoosier by residence and adoption, a 
son of Henry and Susan Hawk, of Highland county, Ohio, 
dates his earthly journeyings to September 28, 1824, from 
Brown count}', Ohio. At the age of eight he came to 
Indiana with his parents and settled in Sugar-Creek town- 
ship, where he has since resided. His facilities for educa- 
tion being very poor, he was compelled to rely upon his 
own resources for the little education he did receive. Mr. 
Hawk was married September 23, 1847, to Mary J., daugh- 
ter of David McNamee. After his marriage Mr. H. settled 
on his farm, where he tilled the soil in summer and taught 
the youth of his neighborhood in the winter for about four 
years, since which time he has devoted his energies wholly 
to rural pursuits, never having held but one public office, 
that of township trustee, in conjuction with Lewis Burk 
and Joseph H. Conner, in 1856. Mr. H. is an honorable 
citizen and an affable gentleman. See his portrait on 
another page. 



CHAPTER XXII. 

MEDICAL I'ROFESSIOX IX HANCOCK COUNTY. 

The physician is an indispensable prerequisite to civil- 
ized communities, while among the uncivilized tribes of men 
the medicine man is one of the most prominent of charac- 
ters. When the writer first became identified with the 
citizenship of this county there were but few physicians 
therein. I will mention names in the proper place and 
and time. 

So far as the writer knows there is but one of the men 
now living who practiced medicine in Hancock county 
forty years ago, and he has retired from the profession. 
As a rule doctors are short lived. The practice of medi- 
cine then was a work of some magnitude. We were 
compelled to ride on horseback through the woods, along 
paths blazed out on the side of trees, sometimes twelve 
miles. I have often lost my way, and had to ride for miles 
before I came to a house to ask where I was. I was called 
one stormy night to visit a family in what was called the 
Big Deadening, in Vernon township. The messenger had 
a huge torch and rode before. Our path was for miles 
through "slashes," as then called. The forest was wild 
and gloom}'. Before we reached the place the torch gave 
out, and we had to hunt a hickory tree, from which we got 
bark to renew our light. We heard the wolves howl 
occasionally. When we reached the house we foimd the 
door fastened, and the woman whom I was called to see 
was in bed with two newly-born babe twins. She was 
badly frightened. She said the wolves had run the dogs 
against the door. The door was nothing but shaved clap- 
boards, hung on Wooden hinges. She thought the wolves 
smelt the corpse, for one of the babes was dead, and she 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 355 

had heard it said that wolves would light desperately for a 
dead body. There were no neighbors for some distance, 
and no one there to go for any one. 

Sometime after that I was belated on my return home 
from the Fall Creek settlement. It had been raining all 
day, and was very muddy. My horse gave out, and I had 
to stop at John Robb's, where I got my supper, and he 
saddled one of his horses for me to ride till I returned. It 
was dark when I started, and nothing but a path to travel 
until I struck what was called the Greentield and Allison- 
ville road. INIr. Robb assured me that old Sam, as he 
called the horse, would keep the path. I had gone but 
a few miles before old Sam was out of the path, and 
stopped to eat grass. I got down and tried to feel for the 
path. Failing to find it, I mounted, and determined to 
make the horse go some place. He soon went under a 
grapevine, and lifted me out of the saddle and set me 
wrong end up in the spice brush. I was, however, able 
for another trial. I then commenced to halloo, that I 
might find some house. I soon heard wolves, not very far 
from me I thou<*'ht. I had often heard it said that wolves 
could smell assafetida any distance, and that they would 
tight for it. I had to carry that article with me, for it was 
out of the question to dispense with a remedy so popular 
at that time. Everything used as medicine was furnished 
by the doctors. I w^as considerably frightened, but I soon 
heard some one answer me and saw a torch coming. It 
was common for persons to get lost in the woods at that 
time. When I reached the man's house I found I had lost 
my pill sacks, and this necessitated me to wait till morning, 
as most of my essential outfit was in them. Though of but 
small value would the pill-bags be at this time, the loss of 
that utility would have been sufilciently ample at that time 
to have compelled me to suspend operations for some days. 

The Izi'o Big Doctors. — I do not remember how 
long it has been since the occurrence here alluded 
to transpired. I think it was about thirty-live years 
ago. At a camp meeting near Cumberland, in the 



356 HISTORY OF IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 

eastern part of Marion county, a child was taken with 
a fit, and its mother made so much noise that divine 
services were suspended for a time. Dr. Berry, who 
afterwards became President of Asbury University, was 
preaching. As soon as he found out what was the matter, 
he told the congregation to take their seats and not crowd 
the child, but give it plent}' of fresh air, wet its head with 
cold water, and send for a doctor ; that there was no dan- 
ger. I was at that time but little acquainted, and but few 
on the ground suspected me of any pretensions to being 
a doctor. Some one, however, hunted me up, and pluck- 
ing me to one side, asked me if I could bleed, and whether 
or not I had any lancets with me. I happened to have a 
nice spring lancet in' my pocket. I told him I thought I 
could bleed, and he asked me to follow him. When I ar- 
rived at the tent it was crowded desperately, and near the 
door, on a temporary bed, was the patient. On one side 
of it stood a large man, with a huge walking stick, about 
four feet long and as thick as a small handspike. Before 
him was a pair of old-fashioned saddle-bags, which con- 
tained something near a half bushel of roots and herbs, 
together witli other implements essential to the practice. 
On the other side of the little sufferer stood another man, 
something over six feet high, with a blue jeans suit on. 
Neither of the gentlemen were arrayed in very fastidious 
costumes. Over the shoulder of this gentleman hung a 
pair of pill wallets of something more in accordance with 
the custom of the nineteenth century, and would not hold 
over one peck of goods. He had the arm of the little girl 
bandaged, and was prodding away with an old rusty and 
dull thumb lancet, attempting to bleed the child, but had 
about given up the idea when I was sent for. The man 
who hunted me up, stepped forward and fixing his eyes on 
me, said: "There is Dr. Ilervey ; ma3'be he can bleed." 
At this all eyes were turned toward me, and I could dis- 
tinctly hear the whispers tlirough the crowd, "he is notiiing 
but a boy ;" "he don't look much like a doctor," and other 
similar remarks, most of wliich were true, for I was but a 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 357 

young man, and looked younger than I was. The theory 
of the doctors was that the patient had too much blood in 
the head, and that bleeding was the only remedy. The 
big doctors had not much faith in me, but asked me if I 
could bleed the child. They did not ask for m}' opinion of 
the case, or what treatment I would recommend, or inti- 
mate that they had any more use for me. I, however, bled 
the child, and asked the doctors if it would not be well to 
keep cold cloths to the head, which they had ordered re- 
moved for fear of producing a chill. The child got better, 
and I got better acquainted with the big doctors, and found 
them to be bi<r-hearted as well as lare^e in bodv. One ot~ 
them was Dr. Carpenter, of Cumberland, a good Christian 
gentleman, but whose facilities for education were poor. 
He was a very useful man, and when his patients died, he 
often preached their lunerals. He was a Baptist minister, 
and Dr. William Moore, of the same village, and a part- 
ner, was a Universalian preacher. Bleeding was common 
then in most diseases, and many persons were bled regu- 
larly at stated times. I knew several men who kept lancets. 
A man that could bleed was considered necessary in every 
settlement. The houses of these men were thronged every 
Sundav b}- persons, some of whom would come miles to be 
bled. The other big doctor was called McLain, I think, 
and he lived in or near New Palestine. 

On page seventy-four of the proceedings of the Indiana 
Medical Society for 1874, in a report on the medical his- 
tory of the State, by Thad. M. Stevens, M. D., I find the 
following items, connected with the transactions of medical 
men in the western part of Hancock county, which I will 
quote : 

"In 1846, the congestive fever, as it was called, made 
its appearance. Many died ; indeed, most of them in the 
hands of some physicians. Dr. Moore, of Cumberland, 
contended that blood letting, and after that calomel to 
ptyalism was the proper treatment. A meeting of physi- 
cians was called to consult upon a plan of treatment, at 
which it was agreed to use larger doses of quinine. Into 



35B HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

tliis practice all linall\' fell, and the disease became much 
less formidable. The only drawback to the use of this 
drug was the price, and the scarcity of mone}'. It run up 
at one time to six dollars an ounce. Dr. llervey bought 
up a dozen fat cattle, drove them to Indianapblis, and sold 
them at $7.50 per head, and iuN-ested the mone}' in quinine." 
In 1847 a singular epidemic of small-pox appeared in 
Buck-Creek township. Erysipelas, in the form of black 
tung, had been prevailing in the same locality. A healthy, 
stout man by the name of Snyder took the confluent vari- 
ola. The whole surface swelled enormously. Dr. William 
Smith, who was a new brother in the profession at Cum- 
berland, was called to see the case, who, being somewhat 
puzzled at the disease, called Dr. Bobbs, of Cumberland, 
and Dr. J. W. Hervey, of Hancock county, in consulta- 
tion. Drs. Bobbs and Smith contended that the disease 
was of an active inflammatory character, and the onlv 
safety depended upon copious blood-letting. Dr. Herve}' 
differed with them, opposed the bleeding, and left them to 
treat the case. They bled the man profusely, and he died. 
The neighbors flocked in to see him, and the result was 
small-pox was scattered all over the countr3% Dr. J. W. 
Hervey contended that the disease was some form of erup- 
tive fever, modified by erysipelas diathesis. That was 
before the disease had developed its true character. After 
that he contended that it was small-pox, modified by the 
influence named. A consultation was called at the house 
of Isaac Snyder, father of the first patient, over some new 
cases. Dr. John S. Bobbs, Dr. Bullard, of Indianapolis, 
and Dr. Brown, of Bethel, were called in. Drs. Bobbs and 
Bullard agreed with Dr. Hervey. I think Dr. Brown did 
the same. The fact of the disease making its appearance 
without any one knowing how, agitated the public mind to 
the highest pitch. As Dr. Hervey had been prominent in 
the treatment of the disease, and very successful, he having 
treated eighty-four cases, with but the loss of three grown 
persons and two children, it was in some way whispered 
through the neighborhood that he started the disease to 



THE mp:dical profession. 



359 



get into business and gain notoriety. This theory was 
aimed to be made plausible by the fact that the Doctor had 
been in Cincinnati the winter before, and had told some 
one that he saw cases of small-pox in the hospital. It was 
also urged that he could not have been so well acquainted 
with the disease and have treated it so successfully if he 
had not made some special study and preparation. The 
rumor spread and gained force as it went out upon the 
breeze of popular rumor, until the whole country- was 
arrayed on one or the other side of the question. Some 
one, who was ingenious in formulating theories, said the 
Doctor had brought a scab with him from Cincinnati, and 
started the disease with it. He had used tincture of iodine 
and nitrate of silver to prevent pitting in the face. One 
Miss Burris lost an eye, and was otherwise disfigured by 
the disease, pustules having formed in the eyes. Popular 
prejudice pointed this case out as a proper one to punish 
the Doctor with. He was sued formal-practice. The bad 
feeling was so intense against him that his counsel, Oliver 
H. Smith, advised him to take a change of venue to Shelby 
county. The damages were set at $5,000. The deposi- 
tions of eminent physicians were secured b}' the Doctor. 
Some of the best physicians in the State were subpoenaed. 
His defense was so fortified that before the time for 
the trial arrived the case was withdrawn. Dr. Her- 
vey's character was vindicated, and he rose above the 
clouds that threatened him with ruin ; but it cost him much 
of his hard-earned means and cheated him out of three or 
four of the best years of his life. 

This case is a valuable illustration of what injury and 
wrong may be done a physician by those who are not suffi- 
ciently informed on such subjects. It also shows what a 
few enemies may do before the tribunal of uninformed 
popular public sentiment and popular prejudice. 

A Singula/- Call. — At a 4th of July celebration held in 
the woods, where Mt. Comfort now stands, I w^as engaged 
to make an oration. There was to be a big time — a bar- 
becue. The day brought an immense crowd. Just before 



360 * HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY. 

the time came for my part of the programme, I noticed 
some one coming with great speed, and a general stir 
among the people. I was informed that an accident had 
happened at the crossing of Buck Creek, and that T was 
wanted. The proceedings were delayed until my return. 
When I reached the scene of the accident, a most amusing 
incident was before me, and instead of resorting to surgery 
and bandages, I was overcome with fun. A family with 
several small children had undertaken to visit the celebra- 
tion in an ox-wagon, not very substantially rigged. In 
attempting to cross the bridge over Buck Creek, the oxen 
became frightened at a party of young men and women 
coming up behind at a pretty fair speed. The red ribbons 
were flying, and the big-skirted white dresses of the girls 
on horseback were flapping in the wind, together with the 
clatter of the horses' feet, was too much for the cattle to 
stand. They took fright, left the pole bridge, and landed 
the wagon, with its contents, upside down in the mud and 
mire. The oxen had just reached the shore, and the fam- 
ily had all been safely dug out of the mud, and were seated 
in a line on the edge of the bridge, covered so completely 
with mud that you could only see the e}'es and the mouth. 
The man with coon-skin cap was making arrangements to 
wash them off" in the creek, into which he had waded and 
was, when I arrived, waiting for the first one to be handed 
to him to take through the operation. Every child was 
bawling at the top of its abilit}^ to make a noise. As none 
were hurt, no one who witnessed the incident could restrain 
a hearty laugh. They were assisted, however, and washed 
off, and reached the ground towards the close of the even- 
ing, and in time to get a full meal of meat and corn-pone, 
which w^ere about all the eatables spread on the occasion. 
Dr. Duncan. — The first time I ever visited the office 
of Dr. Duncan he was so full of talk and big laugh that 
he spit all over me, not intentionally, for no better hearted 
man lived than he : but he had such a peculiar way of 
pouring out his l\m that he could not keep his mouth and 
lips from taking a very prominent part in the perform- 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 361 

ance. Dr. Barnett, who is now 3'ielding somewhat to the 
pressure of age, was then a student in his office, and a 
very industrious one at that. His long success in husiness 
is due, no doubt, to his earnest and intense studentship. 
Dr. Duncan was a good practitioner and had an extensive 
business. Had he received the advantages of modern 
usages he would have been a still more prominent member 
of the profession. 

Dr. Moore. — I do not remember the given name of the 
doctor here referred to. I was called to see him in his 
last sickness at his home in Green township. He was 
quite a large man, of very limited attainments, but was 
a useful man in the community. He died of softening 
of the brain and paralysis. A singular feature in his 
disease was that he could not reach any object with his 
hand. If he would undertake to place his hand upon an 
object he would invariably reach to another locality. He 
was much worried over his condition. He lamented his 
affliction ver}- much. He appealed to me so piteously to 
devise some means for his relief that I shed tears in his 
presence. I think some of his family are living in the 
county, who might be able to give more of his history. 

Dr. ^y. P. Hozvard — Is now among the oldest practi- 
tioners in the county. I do not remember how long it has 
been since he came to Greenfield, but he has always ranked 
among the best medical men of the coimtry, and is perhaps 
the best operating surgeon in the county, and he has but 
few superiors in the State. Besides being a surgeon of 
ability, he is a whole-souled gentleman, who never violated 
any law of professional etiquette or honor. 

Dr. Lot Echvards — Is the first ph3^sician I ever knew in 
the county, and he had practiced in it several years before 
I came. He was one of the most wiry men I ever knew. 
His appearance would indicate that he could stand but 
little effort, yet he has done enough hard work in the prac- 
tice of medicine to kill two or three ordinary men. He 
was identified with the first society of the county, and had 
as many warm friends as any man therein. 
24 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 363 

Dr. E. /. yndkins^^^^xA medicine in Greenfield, and 
was raised in the county. He has grown old amidst the 
scenes of his early lite, and has given the best of his 
energies to the practice of his profession. He is a suc- 
essfiil, high-minded votary of the healing art, well posted. 
and has a large share of friends and patrons. 

Dr. A. G. Sclman — Practiced medicine in Greenfield 
manv rears ago, and took a prominent part in politics. 
He had at one time as large a practice as an}^ man in the 
county. He is the father of the rising young doctor of 
that name now in Greenfield. 

Dr. Cook — Practiced in Charlottesville thirty-five years 
ago, and was a very fine and successful practitioner. Dr. 
Stuart, of Fortville, was one of his students. Dr. Stuart 
and Dr. Troy must be nearly the same age, and must have 
commenced practice about the same time. I am told that 
Dr. Troy has always had quite a large business, and that 
Dr. Stuart, at Fortville, has an extensive practice. 

Dr. Taiiccy — Who is now a member of the State Senate, 
came to this county, as near as I can recollect, about six- 
teen years ago. He is a man of considerable ability, and 
stands high in his profession and in society as an honora- 
ble man. 

Dr. Il/raiii Dimcati — Came to Hancock county over 
thirty years ago. He commenced practice near Willett's 
Mill, but moved to a settlement north of Fortville, on Fall 
creek, in the edge of Hamilton county, before Fortville was 
laid out. When it was made a town he moved there, 
and practiced there alone for ten or twelve years. He is a 
well-posted, though unassuming, man, and is one of the 
most careful practitioners I ever knew. He is now in 
Indianapolis. 

Dr. T. P. Jlcrvcy, of McCordsvillc — Is a brother of the 
Avriter. He is the only student I ever had. I am not 
Jishamed of him, and I trust he is not ashamed of his pre- 
ceptor. Had he not been my brother he would not have 
been m}- student. I felt that I could, for m}- brother's sake, 
go to the trouble necessary to train his mind to appreciate 



364 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COLNTV 



the responsibilities incumbent upon a physician and the 
necessity of a thorough qualihcation to perform his duties. 
He is one of the most conscientious men at the bedside 
of the sick I ever met. No man lias more or warmer 
friends than has he. 

Dr. Paul Espy — Is another of the old pln'sicians of the 
county. I think he commenced business at or near Phila- 
delphia, but soon went to his present localil\', where he has 
been ever since. He could speak German lluentlv, and no 
better location could he found in the State for a man of his. 
ability and social habits thin New Palestine. The Doctor 
has made good use of his facilities, energies and surround- 




ings, and is to-day one of the wealthiest men in the county. 
His tireless energv and his unceasing devotion to business,, 
together with his good judgment and good management, 
has placed him beyond want and in possession of innumer- 
able friends. But few doctors succeed as well, pecuniarily, 
as Dr. Paul Espy. 

Ihc Touiig Physicians. — Avery promising inventory of 
young doctors are springing up to take the place of the old 
ones. Dr. Martin and Dr. Howard, Jr., of Greenfield, and 
perhaps others of whom I have no knowledge, and Dr. 



THE MEDICAL PROFESSION. 365 

John Covey and Dr. Frank Herve}', of McCordsville, and 
others in other villages unknown to me, will soon be called 
to take the places of worthy predecessors. Dr. Martin is 
one of the best posted 3'oung men in the State, and is a 
most successful surgeon. 

One thing can be said to the praise of the physicians of 
Hancock county. They were mostly self-made men, and 
men of unusually good sense. But few men have been 
imported into Hancock count}^ as ph^'sicians since the old 
stock took their place. But few counties in the State can 
boast of better doctors than Hancock county-. I do not 
know one to whom I could not give the hand of fellowship. 
I do not know one who is my personal enemy, or one who 
has ever knowingly done me an unkind act. 

In writing this brief review of the profession in the 
county, if I have forgotten any one or said anj'thing about 
an}^ one that may be exceptionable, I ask pardon. 

The entire diathesis of the diseases of the countr}- has 
changed since forty years ago. The plan of treatment has 
changed with the change in the type and character of dis- 
ease. The forests have fallen ; the sunshine has been let 
in upon the earth, for centuries covered with a thick un- 
dergrowth and magnificent forest trees ; the ground, then 
covered in many places with water, has been ditched ; the 
land, so long idle, has been cultivated ; obstructions from 
streams have been removed ; old rotting logs and deca3-ing 
matter have been cleared awav. It is therefore not straui^e 
that malaria should be less, and that the whole character 
of morbific causatives should undergo a change. 

Forty years ago blood-letting, blistering, calomel and 
jalep, together with a prolific profusion of emetics, nau- 
sients and antiphlogistics, were the sheet anchor. Now 
the aim of the physician is to sav'e and vitalize the blood, 
energise and build up the wasting strength, and save all 
the power of the system, to battle disease and perform 
life's essential functions. J. W. Her\'ev. 



^66 history of hancock county. 

Hancock Medical Society 

was organized in Greenfield, January 6, 1874, ''^^^^ regu- 
larly incorporated under the rules and regulations ot' the 
State Medical Society, and is therefore entitled to repre- 
sentation in said organization, and in the American Medical 
Association, to each of which it sends its delegates. The 
following reputable physicians were the organizers, and 
constituted the charter members of said society, viz. : N. 
P. Howard, Sen. ; E. I. Judkins, M. M. Adams, S. M. 
Martin, Hiram Duncan, J. G. Stuart, S. A. Troy, S. T. 
Yancey, J. K. Sanders, H. J. Bogart, G. T. Wrennick,. 
J. B. Sparks, M. M. Hess, and G. C. Ewbank. Dr. 
N. P. Howard, Sen., was its first President, and Dr. E. I. 
Judkins its first Secretary. In addition to the charter 
members, twenty-two physicians have been admitted to 
membership since its organization. Drs. J. J. Carter and 
J. O. Espy deceased while members of the society. Some 
have moved from the count}', and others ceased to be mem- 
bers. Drs. Troy, Yancey, J. M. Ely Sparks, and Espy 
have each served as president. It now (February 18, 1882) 
numbers sixteen members. The present officers ai-e. Dr. 
E. I. Judkins, President; Dr. W. B. Ryan, Secretary. 
The society is in a prosperous condition, and most of its 
members appear devoted to its interest, and the success of 
their profession. The Hancock Medical Society and the 
medical profession in our county, we can safely say, will 
compare favorably with the same in her sister counties. 



CHAPTER XXIII. 
biographies axd personal sketches. 

Joseph Fort, 

a native of the "Ancient Dominion,*' was born in 1814. 
He came with his parents to Henry county. When 
about fifteen years of age, he moved Prior Brown to 
Brown township. In 1840 he was married to Miss Mary, 
daughter of Moses McCray. In 1846 Mr. Fort united 
with the Concord Baptist Church. He afterward became 
a member of the Nameless Creek Christian Church, of 
which he was an honored member until his death. Mr. F. 
from the green woods made a good farm, well improved, 
erected good buildings, with a brick house, lived an hon- 
orable, industrious life, and honestly accumulated consid- 
erable property. Few men were more esteemed than was 
Mr. Fort by those who knew him best. His widow, a 
noble Christian lady, still lives on the old farm, enjoying 
the fruits of their labor. Mr. F., politically, was a Repub- 
lican, never aspiring to office. He was content with quiet 
rural duties in private life. For the last six 3'ears of his 
life he was a constant sufferer, but bore his affliction with 
patience and resignation, till he was finally taken to his long 
home, March 22, 1880, and his mortal remains were depos- 
ited in the Simmons cemetery in Jackson township, wliere 
loving hands liave erected to his memory a stately monu- 
ment. 

William J. Sparks 

was born March 11, 1853, in Morgan county, Indiana, 
where he received a common school education, attending 
school for a time at Mooresville. His father being a miller, 
3'oung Sparks run the engine in his native county for sev- 
eral years, prior to 1872 ; thence to Henry county, and 



368 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Avorked for a lime in the Commercial Mills on Blue Ri\er, 
of which mills his father was the proprietor ; thence to 
Greenfield, where he engaged in the sewing machine trade 
till 1879, when he was elected clerk of the city of Green- 
field, which position he finally resigned to become a 
candidate for mayor, to which office he was elected by a 
handsome majority. This position he still fills. Mayor 
Sparks is a ^'oung man, unmarried, a Republican, a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church, and is superintendent of the 
Sunda}' School connected therewith. He is fully identified 
with the interest of the city, and is putting forth his best 
efforts to bring it up to his ideal of a model municipalit}-. 

Andrew T. Hart, 

senior member of the mercantile firm of Hart & Thayer, 
of this city, a native of the "Ancient Dominion," was 
born July 7, 181 1. His father, a son of Erin, was a 
soldier under General St. Clair at the time of his mem- 
orable defeat, near the head-waters of the Wabash, 
in 1791. Andrew T. Hart, while a boy, endured the pri- 
vations of pioneer life in his native State. At the age of 
eleven he removed from the home of his earlier youth to 
Centerville, Wayne county, where he attended such public 
and private schools as the country then aftbrded, and 
acquired a common English education. His opportunities, 
however, were limited, and the success that has attended 
his career has been mainly the result of his own exertions, 
and it may be properly said that he is the architect of his 
own fortune. At the age of eighteen, he was apprenticed 
as a saddler with his brother, James B. Hart, of Liberty, 
Indiana, which trade he faithfully followed for three years, 
or until 1833, when he removed to Greenfield, where he 
has since resided. He at once opened a grocery store, 
in which business he continued for two }'ears ; then as a 
clerk for Nicholas & McCart}' for one year, followed b\' a 
mercantile partnership with Nathan Crawford for two 
3'ears, when he purchased Crawford's interest, and has 



370 HISTORY OF HA^•COCK COUNTY. 

continued in the same business ever since, alone and oth- 
erwise. Mr. H. has filled a number of positions of public 
trust, and always with honor. In 1839 he was appointed 
agent of Indiana for the distribution of surplus revenue. 
He was the first treasurer elected in Hancock county, the 
prior treasurers being appointed by the commissioners. This 
u'as in 1841. In 1843 he was re-elected, and served for 
six consecutive years. In 1869 he was commissioned by 
Salmon P. Chase as U. S. assistant assessor for this county. 
Mr. H. has been prominently connected with almost all 
public enterprises in the county during his residence therein. 
In 1878 he was President of the Hancock Agricultural 
Society. He become a Mason in 1859, '^^^ ^^ Odd Fel- 
low in 1865. In religion he is of orthodox faith. . In 
politics he was first a Whig, and since a Republican. His 
first vote was cast for Henry Clay. He has been twice 
married. First, to Miss Louisa Forelander, in June, 1835, 
who lived but two years. In November, 1838, he was 
married to Miss Gabriella Sebastian, daughter of William 
and Elizabeth Sebastian. Mr. Hart has had five children. 
William E. was a soldier in the i8th Indiana Volunteers, 
and served for three years. After his discharge he joined 
and served in Capt. A. K. Branham's company of State 
troops in the pursuit of John Morgan, in his celebrated 
raid in Indiana and Ohio, and was killed in that unfortu- 
nate disaster at Lawrenceburg, Indiana, in 1863. Mr. H. 
is a man much respected and highly esteemed by all who 
know him. He is of genial nature, kind and hospitable, 
steadfast in his friendship, and upright in his dealings, 
and by his good qualities of head and heart has endeared 
himself to every citizen cf the county. 

Charles Downing, 

was born in New York City, August 7, 1857, came to 
Hancock county February 28, 1867, made his home with 
the late lamented William S. Wood, attended the public 
schools, receieved a fair English education and, being an 



BIOGRAPHIES AND PERSONAL SKETCHES. 



371 



excellent scribe, was, on the 4th day of November, 1874, 
appointed Deputy Clerk of the Hancock Circuit Court, by 
Ephraim Marsh, Clerk, which position he holds to this 
day. October 8, 1879, ^^ Bradford Junction, Ohio, he was 
married to Miss Angle B., only daughter of Arthur P. and 
Emil}^ H. Williams, formerly of this city. Mr. D. is a 
member of the Christian Church, and has always contributed 
liberally to the support thereof. He is also an honored 
member of the I. O. O. F. Mr. D. is a young man of 
rare business tact and talent, and just upon the threshold 
of many rare possibilities. 

Lee O. Harris. 

Leo O. Harris was born in Chester county, Pennsyl- 
vania, January 30, 1839. While yet quite 3'oung, his 
parents removed to Washington county, in the western 
part of Pennsylvania, where his early youth was passed. 
Here he was given the advantages of first the common 
school and then an academic course of study. 

He came to Hancock county, Indiana, in 1858, and 
taufjht his first school in Fountaintown, in the edfje of 
Shelby count}-. 

In the fall of 1859 ^^^ went to Illinois, and taught in 
what was then Coles (now Douglass) county. Returning 
to Indiana, he again began teaching in Hancock county, 
and has been more or less identified with her schools ever 
since, except for the five years succeeding 1874, during 
which time he was principal of the school at Lewisville, 
Indiana. 

Mr. Harris is well known throughout the State as a 
journalist and poet, having been for a number of years a 
contributor to most of the leading papers of the State. He 
is also the author of a book. The Man Who Tramps^ 
published in 1878. 

The fu-st of January, iS8d, Mr. Harris, in connection 
with Aaron Pope, then Countv Superintendent, began the 
publication of The Home and School Visitor, of which 



172 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



paper he i.s still the editor. In the spring of iSSi he took 
editorial charge of The Grccnjicld Kcpuhlicau^ and con- 
tinued with that paper until January, 1882, when, The 
I Io))ie cuid School ]^isitor demanding his entire attention, 
he withdrew from the Re public cm. 

Mr. Harris has been identified with the school interests 
•of Hancock county for twenty-two years, and has in that 




time taught more schools than anv man now li\ing in the 
county, yet all this teaching, with the exceptions before 
mentioned, has been done in Greenfield and within a 
radius of five miles of that cit\'. 



Dr. Noble P. Howard, 

senior member of the medical fnmi of this cit\' of Howard, 
jNIartin & Howard, was born in Warren count}', Ohio, 
September 11, 1822. His father was one of the first set- 
tlers of Cincinnati, and during the war of 181 2 was a 
soldier in the American arm\-. In 1836, while the subject 
of this sketch was a mere bo^', he came with his mother 
iind settled in Indiana, where he recei\ed an Engiisli edu- 
cation at Brookville, Franklin county. In 1840 he began 
the studv of medicine with the eminent doctor, II. G. 



BIOGRAPHIES AND rERSON'AL SKETCHES. ^73. 

Sexton, of Rushville, Indiana, where he read for three 
3'ears. In 1843 he moved to this city, and began the prac- 
tice of medicine and surgerj^ In 1877 he was Vice-Presi- 
dent of the Indiana State Medical Society. He has served 
as President of the Union Medical Society of Hancock, 
and Henr}' counties, and also as President of the Hancock 
Medical Society. He holds diplomas from the Indiana 
Medical College, and from the College of Physicians and 
Surgeons, botii of Indianapolis, and is also a member oT 
the American Medical Society. In 1862 he was commis- 
sioned as assistant surgeon in the 12th regiment of Indiana 
volunteers, and served during its term of enlistment. For 
about eight years he was deputy collector of internal reve- 
nue. He has ever manifested a public spirit, and has- 
taken stock in most of the gravel roads centering in Green- 
field. Since 1856 he has been an honored member of the 
Odd Fellows, and has lilled all the offices of the subor- 
dinate lodge and encampmeni:. In 1861 he was elected 
Most Worthy Grand Patriarch of the Grand Encampment 
of the State of Indiana. He is a member of the M. E. 
Church, was a Whig in the days of that party, and nn 
earnest Union man during the civil war. In 1856 he was 
a candidate on the Republican ticket for representative^ 
but the county being Democratic, he was defeated by the 
Hon. Thomas 1). Walpole. He was a Republican until 
the nomination of Horace Greele}', since w^hich time he 
has acted with the Democratic party. He was married April 
23, 1844, to Miss Cinderilla J. Gooding, daughter of Asa 
and Matilda Gooding, and a sister of Judge D. S., Gen. 
O. P. and Hon. II. C. Gooding. Dr. Howard is a genial 
gentleman, and a man of firm convictions and uncompro- 
mising integrity, and stands well both in his profession and 
as a man. 

Ephraim Marsh, 

present Clerk of the Hancock Circuit Court, was born in' 
Brown township, this coimty, June 2, 1845. He is a son 
of Jonas and Catharine Marsh, honest, respectable people-. 



374 



HISTORY OF HAN'COCK COUNTY 



in good standing in the community. By industiy and 
close application to his studies, Ephraim soon acquired a 
fair English education at the public schools of the county, 
and at the age of twenty entered Asbury University at 
Greencastle, Indiana, where he graduated with honors in 
1870. Dvn-ing his collegiate course he spent one year at 
Washington Citv as clerk in the Third Auditor's office of 
the Treasury Department, receiving his appointment 
through the recommendation of ex-Governor Hendricks and 
Judge D. S. Gooding. After serving for a time as deputy 
clerk of the Circuit Court under Henry A. Swope, during 
which time he applied himself assiduously to the stud}^ of 
law, he was, in the autumn of 1874, elected Clerk of the 
Circuit Court, and re-elected in 1878. Mr. Marsh, on 
February 29, 1872, joined the Knights of Pythias ; in 1873, 
the Free and Accepted Masons ; in 1874, ^^^^ Independent 
Order of Odd Fellows ; in 1878, the Ancient Order of 
Workingmen. He has been Master in the Masonic and 
Past Chancellor in the Pythias. He is also a thirty-second 
Indiana Consistory, S. P. R., and a member of Keystone 
Chapter of the Masons of Indianapolis and Raper Com- 
mandery. He was married Februar}- 5, 1875, to Miss 
Matilda J. Brewer, of Franklin county, an estimable 
lady of great merit and financial means, the fruits of which 
union is one child, Ella, a favorite of all who know her, 
and in the public school, which she is now attending. 

Mr. M. is a steadfast Democrat, a fine conversationalist, 
and a courteous gentleman. As an officer he has been 
attentive and efficient, and has won the confidence of 
his constituents. Mr. M. is still a young man, and is 
looking forward to the legal profession after the expiration 
of his office, and is bending his energies in that direction. 

Nelson Bradley, 

President of the Greenfield Banking Company, was born 
in Clermont county, Ohio, May 19, 1822. His father w^is 
an Englishman, and served in the American army in the 



BIOGRAPHIES AND PERSONAL SKETCHES. 375 

war of 181 2. Mr. Bradley's opportunities for an education 
were limited, his time being chieliy employed in helping 
his father on the tarm, and his schooling was restricted to 
a tew months' attendance at the log school-houses of his 
neighborhood. Mr. B. in early life manifested a taste for 
and aptness in business pursuits, and while yet a bo}- made 
frequent visits to the markets at Cincinnati with produce 
purchased at the farm-houses in the various settlements. 
In 1852 he visited Indiana, and purchased a small tract of 
land on the newly-constructed Bellefontaine railroad, at 
the site of the present town of McCordsville. In Septem- 
ber he located there and opened a store. In 1863 he was 
elected Treasurer of Hancock county, which position he 
held for two consecutive terms. In 1866 he moved to 
Greenfield, and engaged in the grocer}- business, at which 
he continued till 1871, when, with other gentlemen, he 
established the Greenfield Banking Company, of which he 
is still president. He is also a partner in the Hancock 
Flouring Mills, and a stockholder in nearly all the gravel 
roads centering in Greenfield. Mr. B. has contributed 
liberally towards the erection of churches and other public 
buildings, and has ever manifested a liberal public-spirited 
disposition. He has been an honored member of the Free 
and Accepted Masons since 1845, at which time he joined 
the order in Georgetown, Ohio. He took the Chapter 
degrees in Felicity, Ohio, in 1848, and the Council and 
Scottish Rite degrees at Indianapolis at a later date. He 
assisted in organizing Oakland Lodge, No. 140, and 
McCordsville Chapter, No. 44, of which he was the first 
High Priest. He is now a member of Hancock Lodge, 
No. loi, of which he has been treasurer and trustee for a 
number of years. He has been a liberal, consistent mem- 
ber of the M. E. Church since 1845, and is now and has 
been for many 3'ears superintendent of the large and pros- 
perous Sunday-school in connection therewith. He was 
first a Whig, but, since the organization of the party, an 
enthusiastic Republican. He was married September 29, 
1844, to Elizabeth Gray, a noble. Christian woman, who 



376 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

has been his faithful companion, shared his joys and aided 
in his prosperity for nearly forty years. Mr. B. is of a 
ircnial disposition, enjoys a good joke and a hearty laugh, 
and has a host of warm friends. 



Jonathan SMirn 

was born in Preston county, West \^iro-inia, August 29, 
1818, and moved to Hancock county, Indiana, during the 
winter of 1836-7. Was married to Mary T. Watson De- 
cember 17, 1840, who died December 4, 1841. His second 
marriage w^as to Susannah Lakin, October 16, 1845, who 
has been an invalid for the past twentv-six years. Mr. S. 
has raised foiu" children (all boys), all of whom are still 
living, the oldest being thirty-iive years of age. Mr. 
Smith's religious views are strictly old scliool Baptist. He 
established a store at what is now known as Willow Branch 
in 1853, and a post-office at the same place in 1854. He 
continued in this occupation about twenty 3'ears. Also, at 
the same time Mr. S. continued in farming, \yhich was his 
former occupation. Mr. S. was a staunch Democrat, an 
industrious man, and served one term as county commis- 
sioner. See his portrait on another page. 

James Judkins, 

a native of Virginia, began his earthh' pilgrimage in 1803. 
Was married to Elizabeth Wales in North Carolina, Sep- 
tember I, 1825, and emigrated to Newport, Wa3-ne 
count}^ Indiana, in 1826. Moved to Hancock county in 
1833, and entered land about one mile west of Eden. 
Among his neighbors at that time were Robert Walker, Jas. 
and Jehu Denney, Jacob and William Amick, and Enoch 
Olvey. Others soon followed. Here he experienced the 
hardships and privations of pioneer life. Fruits were then 
almost unknown ; corn was $1 per bushel, and other eata- 
bles proportionately high. In 1836 he moved to the Pier- 
son farm and mill on Sugar Creek, iive or six miles 
north-w^est of Greenfield, wdiich mill he run for about four 



BIOGRAPHIES AND I'ERSONAL SKETCHES. 



377 



years, and did much of the grinding and sawing for the 
citizens of *Greenfield. The old mill pond was then sup- 
plied with fine fish, the catching of which afforded royal 
sport for some of the early settlers of Greenfield, among 
whom were Cornwell and Joshua Meek, Nathan Craw-ford, 
Ferdinand Keiffer, the Piersons and others. In 1840 he 
sold the mill, purchased an adjoining farm, and worked 
thereon for tw^o years ; then back to the Pierson farm and 
mill again, which he rented for six years, Pierson having 
died in the meantime. In 1848 he returned to his adjoining 
tarm, where he remained till his death, December 24, 1874. 
Mr. J. was the father of eight children, his widow and 
three of whom survive him. Dr. E. I., Miss Irene and 
the widow, of this city, and James M., of Iowa. Mr. J. 
was a devoted member of Hancock Lodge, No. loi, F. 
A. M. His mortal remains now slumber in the Sugar 
Creek cemeterv, near his old home. 



Hon. Morgan Chandler, 

cashier of the Greenfield Banking Company, of this city, 
w-as born on a farm in Owen count}-, Kentucky, September 
,^0, 1827. His grandfather was a soldier in tfie revolution. 
His earl}' opportunities for education were exceedingly 
limited, so that at the age of twenty-one he could neither 
read nor write his own name. He now, however, resolved 
to educate himself, and within eighteen months w^as teach- 
ing school in his owm county. This occupation he followed 
for fifteen months. In 185 1 he came to Hancock county, 
Indiana, and engaged in teaching. In 1854 ^^^ engaged 
as clerk in the store of G. G. Tague at $10 per month. 
April 22, 1855, he was married to Miss Nancy M. Gal- 
breath, formerly of Kentucky. In the fall of the same 
year he was elected Sheriff of this county. After the expi- 
ration of his term of office, he engaged in farming until 1861 , 
when he was elected Clerk of the Hancock Circuit Court, 



♦This was the first mill in Center township. See page 145. 
25 



378 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

which office he held for four years. The summer of 1867- 
68 he spent in the Western States and Territories, and the 
winters of the same 3-ears in Washington City. In 1869- 
70 he was engaged in the store of Walker & Edwards. In 
1871 he, with four other gentlemen, established the Green- 
field Banking Company, of which he is cashier. Refer- 
ring back to his earlier history, we may remark that at the 
age of fifteen he united with the Baptist Church, and still 
leans in that direction. At the age of twenty-two he was 
chosen Lieutenant-Colonel of the State troops of his native 
county. Mr. C. has been a life-long Democrat, an advo- 
cate of improvements, and has always taken a lively 
interest in agricultural pursuits, being President of the 
District Fair Association, composed of the counties of 
Rush, Henr}^ and Hancock. Mr. C. is kind and hospita- 
ble, and has thereby made an extensive acquaintance. 
He is also a good judge of human nature, and has rare 
business tact and talent, which eminently tit him for his 
present position. In the fall of 1880 he represented his 
adopted county in the lower house of the Legislature. 

Capt. I. A. Curry 

was born in Center township, Hancock county, Indiana, 
July 16, 1835. At the age of sixteen his father died, lead- 
ing his mother with several small children. Mr. Curr}- 
being the oldest, much of the care of the family conse- 
quently fell upon his shoulders. He grumbled not, how- 
ever, but performed his duties well. His opportunities for 
education were limited, but he made the most of them. 
In December, 1857, he was married to Miss Mar}^ Thomas, 
with whom he is still happily living. In August, 1862, he 
enlisted as a private in Company B, 99th Indiana Regi- 
ment, and was soon promoted to i st Sergeant, which position 
he held till January, 1863, when he was again promoted, 
this time to 2nd Lieutenant, and in March, 1864, to ist 
Lieutenant, and finall}', in April, 1865, he was mustered in 
as Captain. His regiment followed Gen. Sherman in his 



BIOGRAPHIES AND PERSONAL SKETCHES. 379 

memorable march through Georgia to the sea. Mr. C, 
through these tedious years of soldier life, was ever recog- 
nized as a faithful soldier and dutiful officer. In the fall 
of 1880 he was elected Treasurer of Hancock county, 
which position he is still filling. 

Dr. El AM I. Judkins, 

a resident physician of this city, and second son of the 
late James Judkins, was born in Wayne county, Indiana, 




in 1830. Me remained with his father, working on a fiirm 
and in a mill, till he attained his majority. His opportuni- 
ties for education being limited, his thirst for knowledge 
led him to Greenfield in January, 1852, where he attended 
school tor a time, then at Shelbyville for one year. He 
afterwards encrai^ed in teaching and manual labor until the 
autumn of 1854, when he went into the drug trade and 
study of medicine. In the spring of 1865, after having 
attended a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College 
at Cincinnati, he began the practice, and has since been 
actively and successfully engaged in his chosen profession. 
Dr. J. is a graduate of the Indiana Medical College and of 
the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Indiana. He has 



380 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 

been an active insurance agent since 1863, and perhaps is 
the oldest agent in the county. He has been a member of 
and zealously devoted to tiie order of Masons since 1853. In 
May, 1857, he was married in Rensselaer, Jasper count}', 
Indiana, to Miss Emma L. Martin, daughter ot* the late 
Dr. William H. Martin, formerly of Rushville, and at one 
time Secretary of the Board of Examiners of the Indiana 
Medical Institute. (See page no.) In February, 1880, 
Mrs. J. died, leaving no children. The only child born 
unto them died in 1863, ^t the age of five 3'ears. In 
1862, the doctor was appointed enrolling and draft com- 
missioner, by Gov. Morton, for this county. In 1868-69, 
Dr. J. served as President of the Board of Town Trustees^ 
and to him is mainly due the credit of originating and ne- 
gotiating the bonds for the erection of tiie public school 
building, which is a credit to our city. He also served, 
four years as treasurer of the town. In 1881 Dr. J. was 
appointed by the Commissioner of Pensions as a U. S. 
Examining Surgeon for this vicinity, which position he 
still holds. The Doctor's mother and sister are living 
with him at the old home, where he set up to himself in. 
1857. The Doctor is an unswerving Republican, inclines 
to the Presbyterian faith, and is an enterprising, public- 
spirited man. 



Hon. William R. Hough, 
senior member of the law firm of Hough & Cook, of the 
city of Greenfield, was born at Williamsburgh, Wayne 
county, in this State, October 9, 1833. He is the oldest 
son of Alfred and Anna Hough, whose parents were among 
the pioneers of that county. His paternal ancestors were 
among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, having emigrated 
from England and located in that State in 1683. At the 
age of eight years, the subject of our sketch removed witli 
his parents from his native village to 'Hagerstown, in the 
same county, and in tiie fall of 1842 from Hagerstown to 
Northern Indiana, locating at Middlebury, Elkhart count}'. 



382 HISTORY OP' HANCOCK COUNTY. 

In this village Mr. Hough grew to manhood, receiving 
such educational advantages as were afforded by the pub- 
lic schools, the Middlebury Seminary, and a supplemental 
course of study at the LaGrange Collegiate Institute, of 
LaGrange county. During his twentieth and twenty- 
second years he taught school in the last named county. 
In the fall of 1856, having determined to enter the legal 
profession, he located in Greenfield, and began the study 
of the law in the office of Capt. Reuben A. Riley, one of 
the leading lawyers of the county. He made rapid pro- 
gress with his studies, and was soon admitted to the bar, 
and began practice as partner of his preceptor. While 
prosecuting his legal studies he was twice appointed by the 
commissioners of this county to the office of school exam- 
iner, and for two successive years performed the duties 
thereof. In i860 he was elected district attorne}' for the 
district composed of the counties of Hancock, Madison, 
Henry, Rush and Decatur, and for two years prosecuted 
the pleas of the State to the satisfaction of the law-abiding 
people of the district. 

In 1862 Mr. Hough was married to Miss Tillie C. 
McDowell, a native of Scotland, and settled down to the 
earnest pursuit of his profession, and for ten or twelve 
years did an immense amount of professional labor, both 
in his office and at the bar, where he was recognized as an 
able advocate and a tenacious, strong opponent. In the 
year 1872 he was nominated and elected State Senator for 
the district composed of Hancock and Henry counties, 
which position he filled for four 3'ears, serving during two 
regular and two special sessions in the Legislature. As a 
legislator, Mr. H. was recognized as an able debater, and 
as a man of acknowledged executive abilit}', evidenced by 
the large amount of work which he j)erformed as a mem- 
ber of several of the most important committees. 

Mr. IT. lias been an earnest Republican since the origan- 
ization of the l'>arty, and cast his tirst vote for President 
tor John C. Fremont. Since i865 he has been an honored 
member of the I. O. O. F. 



HIOGRAPIIIES AND PERSONAL SKETCHES. ^^^ 

Mrs. Hough, who has been his companion and help- 
mate indeed, is a lady of refined tastes and accomplish- 
ments, and is in every way fitted to preside over her 
elegant and hospitable home. They have two boys, Wil- 
liam A. and Clarence A., aged respectively seventeen and 
fifteen. Their only daughter, Mabel, a beautiful, brilliant 
little girl, dearly loved by all her friends and schoolmates, 
and idolized by her parents, was, at the age of seven years, 
suddenh^ and unexpectedly called from her pleasant home, 
surrounded by birds, music, flowers and Terns, to enter 
her long home in the celestial city, where the streets are 
paved with gold, and music is never ceasing, and sickness, 
death and darkness never enter. 

Mr. H. is a public-spirited citizen, and is a prominent 
promoter and supporter of the public school system, which 
he has defended as a citizen, lecturer and legislator. That 
his services to the cause of education as a member of the 
Senate were highly appreciated by the leading educators 
of the State, may be inferred from the following incident : 
In the 3'ear 1874, the late Hon. Milton B. Hopkins, then 
Superintendent of Public Instruction, in a public lecture 
in Greenfield, in speaking of the acts of the Legislature of 
1873, among other things said : "The last Legislature was 
the best Legislature on the question of education that ever 
sat in Indiana ; and I take pleasure in saying now, and 
sa3'ing it here in his presence (Mr. H. being in the audi- 
ence), that no county was more faithfull}' represented in 
that body, on that question, than was Hancock county, on 
the floor of the Senate, in the person of your honored 
Senator." 

Mr. Hough has been remarkabl}^ successful financially, 
having achieved a handsome competence, and is one of the 
largest tax-payers in the county. 



CHAPTER XXIV. 

COURTS, JAILS, EXEMPTION LAWS, ETC. 

The First Court — Of an}- kind or character in Han- 
cock county was a commissioners' court, held early in the 
year 1828, and composed of three commissioners, viz : 
Elisha Chapman, Samuel Vangilder and John Hunter. 
This court is still in existence, having met four times a year 
ever since, and never having undergone any great or 
material change, except that its duties have been enlarged 
and its jurisdiction somewhat extended, as the State has 
advanced in years and laws have multiplied on the statute 

books. 

The First Circuit Court — In Hancock county was 
organized in March, 1828, at the private residence of 
Samuel B. Jackson, in a log house east of Greenfield, in 
the bottom on Brandy wine, south of the National road, 
near the flax factory. This county was then in the Fifth 
Judicial Circuit. 

The First Officers — Of said court were Bethuel F. Mor- 
ris, Presiding Judge ; Jacob Jones and James Stevens. 
Associate Judges ;* James Whitcomb, Prosecuting Attor- 
ney ; Lewis Tyner, Clerk, and John Foster, Sheriff. 

The First Attorncxs — Admitted to the bar in Hancock 

county were Calvin Fletcher, Henrv Gregg, Marinus 

Willett and Charles H. Verder. There being no business 

before the court, it adjourned with the t'ollowing entry: 

" The court adjourned siiic die. March 24, A. D., 1828. 

"A. F. Morris. Judge." 



•For about twenty-lour years of the first liistory of Hancock county the Circuit 
Court was presided over by three Judges, a Presiding Judge and two Associate Judges. 
The functions of the Presiding Judge were similar to those of the Juige of the Circuit 
Court in Indiana at this date. lie had liis circuit prescribed bj- law, and traveled from 
county to county. The Associate Judges were county officers, each county having her 
own. Instead of one Judge, as at present, three then sat upon tlie bench at the same 
time, the Presiding Judge being the center man. 



COURTS, JAILS, EXEMPTION LAWS, ETC. 385 

'■^September* Jcrm, 1828. — At a Circuit Court, be<^an 
and held at the house of Samuel B. Jackson, in the count}' 
of Hancock, on the 22d of September, 1828, it being the 
fourth Monday of September, Hiram Brown and James F. 
Brown were admitted attorneys." 

The First Grand yurors — Were George W. Hinton, 
James McKinsey, Benjamin Gordon, Meredith Gosnev. 
Jeremiah Meek, Samuel Thompson, Robert Snodgrass, 
David Templeton, Ladock Stephenson, Richard Guymon, 
Jacob Tague, Moses McCall, Samuel Martin, Basil Meek, 
Owen Griffith and John Osborn ; twelve sturdy men, of good 
judgment and clean characters. Meredith Gosney was 
appointed foreman. 

The First Bill Found — By said grand jury was against 
Washington Williams, for assault and battery. He was 
arraigned, tried and found guilty, and a fine of $1 assessed 
against him. Several other bills were found by said grand 
jury, most of which resulted in$i fines. The most singu- 
lar and unexpected bill, however, was against Lewis 
Tyner, Clerk of the aforesaid Circuit Court, for neglect- 
ing to post up, in accordance with the requirements of law, 
a list of his legal fees, which resulted in his being fined $1 
and costs. 

The First Petit 'Jury — Empanneled in this countv was 
composed of the following twelve reputable men and prom- 
inent citizens at that date, viz. : Henry Watts, John Kau- 
ble, Peter Beller\', Benjamin Miller, George Baitv, William 
Chapman, William Booth, David Smith, John Henlev, 
James Goodwin, Samuel Vangilder and Elihu Chapman. 

The First CoDunissioners' Court in Greenfield. — In May, 
1829, the Commissioners of the count\' adjourned to the 
town of Greenfield, the seat of justice, from the house of 
Samuel B. Jackson to the place appointed by the Legisla- 
ture of Indiana in which the courts of said county should 



*It will be observed that the first term of court was held in March and the second in 
September, beinfj six months apart, which is accounted for by the fact that in the carlv 
history of the county and until 1872 there were but two terms of the Circuit Court per 



386 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

be held. It was a rude log house, belonging to Jeremiah 
Meek. 

The First Court House. — In the winter of 1829-30 the 
Commissioners contracted with Amos Dickerson and John 
Hays to build a two-story brick Court House on the public 
square, at a cost of about $3,000. This building was 
promptly erected, in accordance with contract, and courts 
were held therein, in the lower rooms, until 185 1, at which 
time it was tojn down. 

Courts in Churches and Seminary. — In December, 1851, 
the Trustees of the M. E. Church, on South State street, 
rented their church building to the County Commissioners, 
to be used as a place for holding the courts. Said build- 
ing was a roomy one-story frame, still standing, located in 
the south part of the city on the west side of South State 
street. Early in 1853 the court was moved to the old 
Seminary, and remained there until the June term, 1855, 
when the court was ordered to be mov^ed to the Christian 
Church building, still standing, and located just north of 
our present jail and east of the public square. The con- 
ditions of said renting were that the house should not be 
damaged, and if not injured it should be free to the county 
until the new Court House should be completed. 

The Present Court House.* — In 1854, Nathan Crawford, 
father of Freeman H. Crawford, druggist in our city, con- 
tracted to erect a new brick Court House, two stories high, 
commodious and substantial, on the public square, at a 
cost of $14,400, which contract he tilled promptly and 
full}', in accordance with the plans and specifications. This 
contract did not include the bell and irons for suspending 
thereof; but for these he was allowed the sum of $268. 
Said Crawford was ordered to buy ten stoves and ditVerent 
locks and keys for said Court House ; and it was further 
ordered by the Commissioners that the county officers re- 
ceive their rooms unfinished, and that they have their 
respective rooms finished to suit themselves by the car- 



*Sc"c cut of licnisu on p;ige 36. 



COURTS, J AII.S, EXEMPTION LAWS, ETC. 



387 



penter or carpenters employed by the county. The courts 
were to occupy the Upper rooms, and the county officers 
the lower. The house was completed and brought into 
use early in 1856. There has been, from time to time, 
several changes made in the court rooms above, and in 
the arrangement of the officers' rooms below. 

Circuit Court Twice a Tear. — Prior to 1872, Circuit 
Court was held in this county twice a year. Since that 
time quarter sessions have been regularly held. 

Circuit and Associate Judges. — From the organization 
of the county, in 1828 until 1852, the date of the adoption 
of the Constitution, there was one Circuit Judge and two 
Associate Judges (one on either side) on the bench. In 
1852 the law providing for Associate Judges was aboHshed, 
since which time we have had but the one Judge. 

T/ie ^^aines of the Circuit Judges — In Hancock county, 
from the date of the organization thereof to the present, 
with the date of their appointment or election, are as fol- 
lows, to-wit : 



Bethuel F. Morris 1828 

William W. Wick 1835 

James Morrison 1S40 

William J. Peasley 1843 

William W. Wick' 1850 

Stephen Major 1853 

Joseph S. Buckles ^859 

Joshua II. Mellett 187° 

Robert L. Polk 1876 

Mark E. Forkncr 1881 



Remarks : It will be observed that Bethuel F. Morris 
was the first Circuit Judge in the county. William W. 
Wick, who came on the bench in 1835, was one of the 
early judges in Indiana. It was he that presided at Pen- 
dleton, in Madison county, in 1824, at the trial of the 
whites for ,the murder of the 'Indians on Fall creek. He 
also presided at the organization of the first court in Rush 
county, in April, 1822. He was the Judge on the bencli in 



388 HISTORY OF HANCOClv COUNTY. 

the Fifth District at the time when Sherift' John Hays, of 
Rush count}^ became insane and wandered out to this 
phice, and was burned up in the old jail, as heretofore 
mentioned. Judges Morrison, Peasley and Major were in 
office respectively three, seven and six 3'ears, and were 
known to our older attorneys, David M. C. Lane, David 
S. Gooding, J. H. Williams', T. D. Walpole, George W. 
Julian, ct al. Judges Buckles and Mellett have exchanged 
the bench for the bar, and are holding forth respectively at 
Anderson and New Castle. Robert L. Polk, Judge of the 
Eighteenth Judicial Circuit for five years, died at his home 
in New Castle, Saturday, May 7, 1881, at the early age of 
thirty-nine. Hon. Mark E. Forkner was appointed b}- 
Governor Porter to fill the unexpired term of the late 
lamented Judge Polk, and is the presiding Judge at this 
date. 

The Names of the Associate yiidges — In Hancock county 
from 1828 to 1852 were as follows, to-wit : 

Jacob Jones, Hector H. Hall, 

James Stevens, George Tague, 

John Ogg, Owen Jairctt. 

Roliert McCorkhill, Andrew F. Hatfield, 

Xathan Crawford, P. H. Foy. 
(jeorge Henry. 

Remarks: Jacob Jones and James Stevens, it will be 
observed, were the first Associate Judges in the county. 
John Ogg, fiither of A. L. Ogg, and Robert McCorkhill, 
a prominent citizen, came next ; then followed in order 
Nathan Crawford, contractor of the court-house, George 
Henry, father of Attorney Charles Henry, of Anderson. 
Hector II. Hall, now of Indianapolis, from whom we have 
a letter on page 139, George Tague, father of G. G. and 
Jonathan Tague, Owen Jarrett, ancestor of the Green 
township Jarretts, Andrew F. Hatfield and P. II. Foy, the 
last two of whom were on the bench at the time of the 
adoption of the new Constitution. 



COURTS, JAII.S, EXEMPTION LAWS, ETC, 



389 



The Probate Court. — In 1829 there was a Probate Court 
organized in the county, with power to adjust estates of 
deceased persons, or, as the name indicates, adjudicate 
probate business only. This court continued until 1852, 
when the law providing for it was abolished, and the busi- 
ness was turned over to the Common Pleas Court, which 
was then provided for. The first Probate ' Judge was 
Jeremiah Meek, who served till 1836. The second was 




(h;oiige l. kxox. 



John Ogg, who presided till 1850. The third and last was 
Samuel Ilotde, who held forth till 1852. The Probate 
Court, during the time it. was sustained as a separate and 
distinct court, set twice a year onlv. After the probate 
lousiness was turned over to the Common Pleas Court, 
probate matters c(nild be adjudicated four times a vear. 



390 HISTORY OF HANCOCK: COUNTY. 

Remarks : The iirst will recorded in the countv was 
that of Samuel Pierson on the 24th of September, 1829. 
The first inventory of personal property- was on the loth of 
October, 1829. 

The Couimon Pleas Court — Was organized by an act 
approved May 14, 1852, to be presided over by one Judge, 
elected by the voters of the district, at the annual election 
in October, 1852, and every four years thereafter, who 
should hold his office for the term of four years, if he should 
so long behave well, and until his successor should be 
elected and qualified. And in case of a vacancy by death 
or otherwise, the Governor w^as to hll the vacancy bv ap- 
pointment until the next general election. The Common 
Pleas Court, as to jurisdiction, was virtually a probate 
court, at least as to all matters in which it had exclusive 
jurisdiction ; but there were certain matters in which it had 
c^;/c«rrf;/^ jurisdiction with the Circuit Court. Section five 
of the act of May 14, 1852, providing for the establishment 
of Courts of Common Pleas, and defining the duties and 
jurisdiction thereof, read as follows, to-wit : ''The Cir- 
cuit and Common Pleas Courts shall have concurrent juris- 
diction in all actions against heirs, devisees and sureties of 
executors, administrators and guardians, in the partition of 
real estate, assignment of dowers, and the appointment of a 
commissioner to execute a deed on any title bond given by 
deceased." Although it would seem trom the section just 
quoted, that the Circuit and Common Pleas Courts had 
concurrent jurisdiction in all actions against the sureties of 
executors, administrators and guardians, yet the Supreme 
Court held in lOth Indiana, page 411, that Courts of Com- 
mon Pleas have no jurisdiction of suits on the bonds of 
administrators, when the damages are laid at $1,000 or up- 
ward. But to be brief, without entering into details, the 
Common Pleas Courts, which were sustained for twenty 
years in this and other counties of Indiana, were virtually 
probate courts, presided over by judges elected quadren- 
nially, and did the business, slightly modified, of the old 
probate courts, which met semi-annually. It was an infe- 



COURTS, JAILS, EXEMPTION LAWS, ETC. 39 1 

rior court to the Circuit Court. The Judges of the Common 
Pleas Court of Hancock county, for the time aforesaid, 
and the dates of their election were as follows, to-wit : 

David S. Goodin<^ 18^2 David S. Goodintj^ 1S61 

Richard Lake. 1856 William R. West 1864 

William (irose i860 Robert L. Polk 1872 

This court was abolished by an act of the Legislature 
approved March 6, 1873, which act also provided for the 
redistricting of the State for judicial purposes into thirty- 
eight* circuits, and fixed the time of holding courts therein, 
and transferred the business of the Common Pleas to the 
Circuit Courts. Under this act a]l matters and business 
pending in the Courts of Common Pleas were to be trans- 
ferred and disposed of by the new Circuit Court. 

The Present Ci>'ctu't CoiirL— The new Circuit Court, bv 
the act of March 6, 1873, had her jurisdiction greatly ex- 
tended, and in addition to the jurisdiction previously exer- 
cised, was to have jurisdiction over all matters which had 
been previously considered by the Common Pleas Courts, 
and all laws and parts of laws concerning said Courts of 
Common Pleas were to be construed to mean and apply 
to said Circuit Courts, and the old offices of Common Pleas 
Judge and District Attorney were abolished. This act 
also provided for the election ot Judges and Prosecuting 
Attorneys, on the second Tuesday of October, 1873, to lill 
the places of such Judges and Prosecuting Attorneys as 
were then holding their office by virtue of an appointment 
In- the Governor, since which time we have had a Prose- 
cuting Attorney, and the counties of Henry and Hancock 
have constituted the i8th Judicial Circuit. The courts in 
this county convene on the Monday following the close of 
the term of the Henry county court. The courts in Henrv 
are held on the first Monday in February, fourth Monday 
in April, first Monday in September, and third Monday of 



* Three additional circuits have .since been added. The 41st and last circuit is com- 
posed of Marshall and Fulton counties, as provided for by the acts of 1S75, pajje 47. 



392 HISTORY OP' HANCOCK COUNTY. 

November in each year. The courts in Henry continue 
six weeks, and in Hancock four weeks, if the business re- 
quire it. And there has since been but two courts in the 
county, viz. : The Commissioners Court, which was the first 
in the county, and the Circuit Court, whicli now has jurisdic- 
tion of all probate matters, civil and criminal business, 
and consequently performs the duties heretofore devolving 
upon the Probate, Common Pleas and Circuit Courts. 

Courts of Conciliation. — There was still another court, 
though little resorted to, termed a Court of Conciliation, 
which was provided for by an act entitled an act to estab- 
lish courts of conciliation ; to prescribe rules and proceed- 
ings therein, and compensation of Judges thereof, approved 
June II, 1852. This court might take cognizance of all 
cases in which anv person claimed to have a cause of 
action against another for libel, slander, malicious prose- 
cution, assault and battery, or false imprisonment. This 
law was, in many respects, similar to our present law 
relative to arbitrations and umpirages, approved February 
3, 1875. ^^ case a reconciliation between the parties was 
had, a memorandum thereof stating the nature of the 
controversy, or thfe alleged cause of action, the appearance 
of the parties, and the fact of the reconciliation, without 
specifying the terms thereof, unless it be agreed by the 
parties to do so, was to be entered upon a book of record, 
kept by the Judge, and signed by the respective parties. 
The reconciliation thus effected was a complete bar to any 
future action in reference to either party in respect thereto. 
In case of a final adjustment ot the matter in controversy, 
the Judge was entitled to a fee of $5, to be paid half by 
each party ; but in case of no reconciliation, no fee what- 
ever could be received by the Judge for any services 
rendered. This court was a kind of equity criminal court, 
and the act specially provided that every controversy 
submitted to it for settlement was to be decided according 
to conscience and right, without regard to technical rules. 
These courts of conciliation should have been considered 
useful to the people in saving costs and the bitter feelings 



COURTS, JAILS, EXEMPTION LAWS, ETC. 393 

resulting from loner and tedious lawsuits, but an exam- 
ination of the records of our courts develops the fact that 
the people did not seem to take kindly to its pacific pro- 
visions, being considered by them of little importance. 



JAILS. 

The first jail in Hancock county was a wooden struc- 
ture, erected soon after the organization of the county, 
located on the south part of the public square, and burned 
down in 1833 by John Hays, the only inmate at the time.* 
In 1835 Cornwell Meek erected, at a cost of $2,200, a 
hewed log jail building, two stories high, with two rooms 
below for the jailer's residence and two above for the con- 
victs. The east one was called the debtor's room, and 
was provided with two windows, and used for the confine- 
ment of lawfully adjudged debtors, under the law of Indiana 
providing for imprisonment for debt, which prevailed prior 
to 1838. The west room was less attractive, having but 
one small window, and was used for the confinement of 
the regular criminals. This building remained and was 
used by the county until the erection of the present jail, in 
the year 1871, at a contract price of $32,900,! located on 
the south-east corner of the public square. 

EXEMPTION LAWS. 

The old Constitution of the State of Indiana declared 
that " the privilege of the debtor to enjoy the necessary 
comforts of life shall be recognized by wholesome laws, 
exempting a reasonable amount of property from seizure 
or sale for the payment of any debt or liability hereafter 
contracted." Observe that the constitutional provision 
for an exemption is restricted to contracts alone. Under an 
act of 1843, an execution defendant could claim an ex- 



*For a fuller account of this matter see page i6i, where the subject is fullv devel- 
oped. 

fFor a description of the present jail and the cost thereof see page 37. 
26 



394 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

emption iVom execution, at any time before the sale, any 
personal property levied on, not exceeding in value $125. 
The Constitution of 1852 retains the old exemption section 
of the original Constitution, with an additional clause pro- 
hibiting imprisonment for debt, except in case of fraud. 
Under this constitutional provision, an act to exempt prop- 
ertv from sale in certain cases, approved February 15. 
1852, provided that an amount of property not exceeding 
in value $300, owned b}' any resident householder, should 
not be liable to sale on execution, or any other final pro- 
cess from a court, for any debt growing out of or founded 
upon a contract, express or implied, after the 4th day of 
July, 1852. This law exempting $300 remained in full 
force and effect until it was superseded by the act of March 
29, 1879, which provides for the exemption of an amount 
of property not exceeding in value $600, owned by any 
resident householder, such exemption being for any debt 
growing out of or founded upon a contract, express or 
implied, after the taking effect of said act. The same Leg- 
islature, in an act concerning married women, approved 
March 25, 1879, exempts from execution wearing apparel 
and articles of personal adornment purchased by her, to 
the amount of $200 ; and exempts all presents of jewelry, 
books, w^orks of art, &c., and provides that she shall 
further hold as exempt, except for the purchase money 
therefor, other property to the amount of $300, making a 
total exemption to married women of $500 in addition to 
her presents. 



CHAPTER XXV. 

SEQUEL TO BLL'E-RINER TOWNSHIl'. 

iro//"s J//7/._The iirst mill in Hancock count}- was 
built in 1824 by Joshua Wilson, on Blue river, in the south- 
west part of Blue-River township. It was a verv small 
building, partially weather-boarded, and did both 'sawing 
and grinding. It run one set of burrs, and, if well attended 
to, would grind from ten to fifteen bushels per day, and 
the saw-mill, under favorable circumstances, would cut 
trom two to three hundred feet per day, with the assistance 
of two or three men to help start it occasionally. In cut- 
ting the race, there was a bayou that formed all its course 
but about ten rods, but Wilson was unable, physically and 
financially, to cut this short distance, hence his few neigh- 
bors gratuitously volunteered their services, and cut the 
short distance which nature had left unfinished. Among 
those hospitable neighbors were Solomon Tyner, John 
Osborn, George Penwell, G. Smith, Thomas Phillips, 
Abram Johns, Harmon Warrum, c/ ah In 1826 Henry 
Watts purchased the mill of Wilson, and attached a bolt to 
run by hand. When this mill first started, all the white 
people for miles around gathered in to witness the grand 
scene. Wolf purchased the mill about 1840, and attached 
a carding and spinning machine. The mill at this point 
has changed hands a number of times, as noted elsewhere 
in this book, and has been variously known as the Wilson, 
Watts, Wolf and Bacon Mill, and, while owned by Bacon, 
was denominated the "Blue River Mills. '^ The'mill has 
recently changed hands, and is now owned by Jacob Wolf, 
son of John Wolf, the old proprietor. 

The Blue-River Temperance Association— Was brought 
.-ibout by a few earnest workers attending a convention ot 



39^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

the W. C. T. U., at Knightstown, and becoming enthused 
in the work, and obtaining a copy of their constitution and 
pledge to assist in organizing. A few of the citizens of 
Bkie-River township met at Friends' meeting-house, West- 
land, May 26, 1877, and organized an association, known 
as the "IJlue-River Township Temperance Association," 
at which time fort3^-five persons signed the pledge and be- 
came members. 

The following constitution has been adopted, being 
better suited to our work than the constitution of the W. 
C. T. U.: 

Article I. — This society shall be known as the Blue-River 
Township Temperance Association. 

Art. II. — It shall be the duty of this society to plan and 
carry forward measures which, with the blessings of God, will 
result'in the suppression of intemperance. 

Art. III. — Any person may become a member of this 
association by signing the following pledge: "We, the under- 
signed, men, women and children of Blue-River township, 
feeling that the use of intoxicating liquors has reached a point 
no longer to be endured, do, by the help of God, promise to 
use our utmost endeavors to banish this evil from among us ; 
and in order to strengthen our influence in this regard, we 
hereby agree to abstain from the use of all intoxicating bev- 
erages, and we will discourage their use in all possible ways."' 

Art. IV. — The officers of this association shall be a Presi- 
dent, Vice-President, Secretary, Treasurer, and an executive 
committee of three. 

Art. V. — The President, Vice-President, Secretary and 
Treasurer shall perform the duties usually incumbent upon that 
office. 

Art. VI. — It shall be the duty of the executive committee 
to decide upon the time and place of meeting ; to produce a 
programme to each meeting for the one following ; to see that 
those on duty are informed thereof, and to give them such as- 
sistance as is necessary in the preparation of their duties. 

Art. VII. — This constitution may be altered or amended 
by a two-thirds vote, at any regular meeting. 



39^ HISTORY OF IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 

Meetings have been held every two, three, or tour 
weeks, as circumstances will admit, since its organization, 
circulating to all the school districts in the township ; at 
each meeting soliciting signers to the pledge, which now 
numbers three hundred and seventy-five, of ages from live 
to seventy-seven 3'ears. 

It is conducted principally as a literary association, 
aiming to instill into the minds of all classes the need of 
moral reform and true temperance principles. 

Pleasant Viczu J\fcc//ng\ Pricnds — Was established 
under the authority of Spiceland quarterly meeting in the 
eleventh month, 1850. Meetings were held for a time, 
perhaps a year, in a frame school-house near by ; then in 
the frame meeting-house, occupied as a place of worship 
at this date. Amonij the first members were William and 
Charity Hill, Libni Hunt and wife, Samuel Brown and 
wife, Phineas White, Matthew Ilodson, Daniel Hastings. 
Alfred and John Hunt, Eli and Robert Brown, Daniel and 
John Reece, Albert White, Enoch Picrson, and Amos H., 
Samuel B. and John Hill. iVmong those who have 
preached at this place ar ^ Melissa Hill and Jared P. Bin- 
ford. A Bible School, in connection with this meeting, is 
sustained the year rovmd. Average attendance, thirty ; 
Cynthia White, Superintendent. Samuel B.- Hill x^as one 
of the first teachers, and has been connected therewith for 
more than thirt}- vears. Alfred Hunt, one of the most 
prompt and punctual in attendance at both the Sabbath 
and week day meetings, faithfullv times the sittings thereof. 

AddifioiiaJ Suicides and Sudden Deal lis in Jiliie-I^izer 
Township. — In 1839, Robert Marsh was killed b\' the fall- 
ing of a tree, while "coon hunting" one dark night. 

Mrs. T. Ballenger, October 26, 1875, stepped on a 
piece of pumpkin rind, slipped and fell with her neck across 
the Q:(\^^Q of a bucket, which dislocated the upper cer\ical 
vertebrae, prt)ducing sudden d.'atli. 

|oh;i Kinder committed suicide bv hanging, in his own 
stable, about 1870. 

On Mav 29, 1875, Miss Mary A. Anderson, daughter of 



SEQUEL TO BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP. 399 

James Anderson, of Blue-River township, while fishing in 
company with her sister, fell into Blue river, and was 
drowned. Mrs. Reed committed suicide by hanging, at 
Allentown, in 1870. 

Farmers Insurance Association — Of Hancock county 
was organized June 12, 1876, with William Marsh as 
President; B. F. Luse, Vice-President ; Samuel B. Hill, 
Secretary and Treasurer, and one Director for each town- 
ship. It was reorganized under the statutes of Indiana, 
August 31, 1878. The present officers are John H. White, 
President ; T. E. Bentley, Vice-President ; S. B. Hill, Sec- 
retary and Treasurer, and one Director for each township. 
The association has met with but three losses, amounting 
to $1,103, since its organization. It paid to officers for 
printing, postage, &c., last year, $154.75. Losses have 
been promptly paid, and the association is in good stand- 
ing where its workings are understood. 

Wcstland Meeting, Friends. — Among the first Friends 
that settled in the vicinity of Westland were Joseph 
Andrews, in 1832 ; John Brown, in 1833 ; Elias Marsh, 
Elisha Butler, Nathan Perisha, William and Frederick 
Brown, et al., at different times until the year 1839, ^vl'^en 
the propriety of a meeting and school-house was discussed 
b}' these friends of education, and they agreed on a day 
to meet, in which they constructed a log school-house, 
16x20 feet, soon after which they employed a teacher for 
the small children of the neighborhood. In 1840 a meet- 
ing was regularlv organized, with about fifteen families. 
Among the early ministers were Mary Hodson and Me- 
lissa Hill. A First-day school was soon organized and 
conducted by Abigail Hubbard. After a few 3'ears, the 
society desired a separate house in which to hold their 
meetings, and all hands and friends of the cause joined in 
and built a small frame, without any estimate as to cost. 
About 1871, the present neat and commodious frame build- 
ing was erected, at a cost of $1,500. Present minister, 
Winbern Kerns ; total membership, 102 : average attend- 
ance on the Sabbath, iiftv-sevcn. 



400 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Samticl B. Hill — Was born February 22, 1832, in Ran- 
dolph county, Indiana. When one 3'ear old his parents, 
William and Charity Hill, moved to a farm in Rush county, 
two and a half miles south-west of Charlottesville, where 
he lived until his marriage, in 1852, to Mary M. Henley. 
In the following ^^ear he removed to the farm in Blue-River 
township, where he still resides. The years from sixteen to 
twenty-one were spent in teaching and attending school at 
Friends' Boarding School, near Richmond, Indiana, after- 
ward Earlham College, of which institution he has been a 
member of the Board of Managers for some 3'ears. He 
served as Trustee of Blue-River township six 3'ears. He 
is a farmer, and engages in raising grain and stock for a 
livelihood. In 1875 he was married to his second wife, 
Mary R. Hadle}-. He has five children living, two of 
whom are married and settled in Blue-River township. 
He is interested in education, holding that it is largely a 
means of preventing crime and pauperism. 

In person Mr. H. is large, square built, dignified in 
bearing, with black hair, an expressive eye, of a bilious 
temperament, nearly six feet in height, and two hundred 
pounds in weight. 

Gilboa Church, M. E. — About the year 1830 a few 
persons, who had been members of the M. E. Church in 
other places, settled in the vicinit}^ of Gilboa, and soon 
began holding religious meetings at private dwellings. 
Occasionally a preacher would come into the neighbor- 
hood, a runner would be sent out announcing the fact, and 
thus meetings were held until the year 1832, when the 
society had so increased in numbers and interest that they 
decided on building a church. James Sample and Benja- 
min Miller,, who then owned the land now comprised in 
the grave-yard, offered to give a half acre each if the 
society would erect a church building thereon, which prop- 
osition was accepted,. and a small log house, twenty by 
twenty-four feet, made of hewed popular logs, was erected 
about three rods east of the present grave-yard gate. It 
stood, as the present one does, with the end fronting the 



SEQUEL TO BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP. 4OI 

road, and had a door in either side and a lire-phice in each 
end, and had one twelve-hght window, with panes eight 
by ten inches. The floor was made of shibs and the 
benches of spHt poles, with the splinter side up. This 
building, like other pioneer public buildings, was erected 
bv voluntary labor, each contributing as his conscience 
dictated his duty. Rev. Amos Sparks was the first 
preacher in this building. Among the first members were 
James and Polly Sample, John Sample and wife, Elizabeth 
Wood, Sarah Sample, Polly Meek, Arthur Lewis and 
wife, Adam Allen and wife, Benjamin Miller and wife, 
Johnson McGinnis, James Lamay and wife and James and 
Margaret McGinnis. All the above, with the exception of 
Mother Sample, are with us no more, but have changed 
their membership from the church militant to the church 
triumphant. The first revival of any note was under the . 
ministration of John B. Burk in 1841. The next revival 
was under the preaching of John T. McMullen in 1848-9. 
In the summer of 1852 the present house, a frame, thirty 
b}' fifty, was completed. The next and greatest revival in 
the history of the church was in i860 or 1861, under the 
preaching of Rev. Layton. In the spring of 187 1 the 
church was repaired, and the old box pulpit was replaced 
In- one of more modern style, after which it was dedicated 
b\' Rev. Bowman, of Ohio, on the 13th day of August, 
187 1. The church is in a healthv, prosperous condition, 
with a membership of forty-five. In connection with this 
church is a large and prosperous Sunday-school, with an 
average attendance of forty-seven. 

yohn Wolf- — Was of German parentage, born in Cen- 
ter county, Pennsylvania, September 29, 1813. He came 
to Indiana with his lather's family in the fall of 1835, ^"^^ 
settled in Wayne county. In the spring of 1840 he was 
married to Charity Commons, with whom he lived hapily 
till the date of his death. Soon after his marriage he, 
with his older brother, Ilenr}' Wolf, moved to Blue-River 
township, and purchased the Watts Mill, where the broth- 
ers carried on an extensi\e business, their customers cominii 



402 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



from fifteen to eighteen miles, and sometimes staying two 
or three days waiting their turn. In 1849 they began 
preparations for the erection of a new mill, which is now 
run by his son, as noted elsewhere. This is the only water 
flouring mill now in the county. John Wolf was a ver}- 




industrious, energetic man, and equally as successful in 
his business. No one labored more for the development 
and progress of the country. He was always ready w^ith 
a helping hand for public improvements, and made his 
influence felt in religious, moral and educational matters. 
He was a consistent and exemplary member of the M. E. 
Church, and verv strict in his religious duties. Owing to 



SEQUEL TO BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIl'. 403 

exposure in building a dam he contracted typhoid pneu- 
monia, from which he died February 21, 1854, ^^ ^^^^ prime 
of life. 

Robison yo/ms — Was born January 19, 1813, in Scott 
county, Kentucky, and at the age of four came with his 
parents to the New Purchase in October, 1823, and settled 
in what is now Blue-River township, Hancock county, 
Indiana. Abram Johns, father of the subject of this sketch, 
had made a trip to the new site in March, and entered 
eighty acres at the land-office at Brookville, Franklin 
county. The Johns famil}^ which were twelve in number, 
resided for a time in a bark shed, then in a pole cabin, 
eighteen by twenty, rude in its every part. Mr. Johns 
remembers well the building of the first school-house, in 
the fall of 1823, and the first teacher therein, Lewis Tyner, 
son of Solomon Tyner, who agreed to teach a short term, 
and take his pay in work on his father's farm. Light was 
admitted to the room through greased paper. Webster's 
blue-back speller was the chief book. Mr. Johns says at 
that date they went to Freeport for meal and Connersville 
for flour, being the nearest points at which they could be 
accommodated. 

The first death in the township was that of John Smith, 
who was killed at a cabin raising* by the falling of a log 
which had slipped from a skid in nearing the gable, from 
which he died that night, in March, 1824. Harmon War- 
rum, Thomas Phillips, Solomon Tyner, John Osborn, 
George Penwell and George Smith, the remaining settlers 
at that date, were part or all present. 

Abram and Elizabeth Johns, the father and mother of 
this sketch, died respectively in 1834 ^^^ 1863, the latter 
at the ripe age of ninety-five. If an}- of our readers wish 
to spend an liour or two pleasantly with some of the oldest 
living residents of Hancock county, let them call on 
Robison or Wilson Johns. 



■ See piige 27. 



CHAPTER XXVI. 

SEQUEL TO r.RANDYWINE TOWNSHIP. 
INTRODUCTORY. 

In the eastern part of Brandywine township settled 
James Smith, who built a mill on Brandywine creek, tour 
miles south of Greenfield. This mill ground about two 
bushels of grain every twelve hours. He run it day and 
night, and furnished the meal for a large scope of country. 
If a customer came in the evening with a grist, it was put 
in the hopper, and he was told to come back next morning 
and get his grinding. The miller in the meantime went 
to bed and left the mill faithfullv at work all night while 
he slept. Said Smith was a member of the Protestant 
Methodist Church, and gave the ground for the old Mt. 
Lebanon Church, besides giving more monev than anv 
other member. East of him, on what was called Hominv 
Ridge, lived old man Porter, father of the late Harry 
Porter. He started a tan-^ard, which supplied the neigh- 
borhood with leather. His nearest neighbor was Mark 
AVhitaker, a Justice of the Peace for a great many years. 
There also lived on the Ridge George Dillard, J. and 
Henr}' Duncan and William Marts. 

In the south part of the township settled John Arnett, 
who built the first still-house in the township. Soon after, 
John Trent built another distillery on an adjoining eighty 
acres, and at this place was made the last whisky ever 
manufactured in the township. John P. Banks was the 
pioneer preacher for the Christian Church. James Baker 
preached both for the Protestant Methodist and Christian 
Churches. The men used to meet to muster at James 
Gooding's, the place now occupied by John Richie. The 
first meeting-house was built at Mt. Lebanon, and was 



SEQUEL TO BRANDYWINE TOWNSHIP. 405 

a Protestant Methodist Church. The next was a Christian 
Church, built on the land of James Baker. Eleazar Snod- 
grass was the preacher ■ in charge. Mr. Snodgrass did 
great good as a minister, and as the fruits of his labor 
there now stands a nice church-house, where congregate 
for worship Wellington Collyer, George Furry, John S. 
Thomas, Smith Hutchinson, Hiram Thomas, the Lows, 
and other prominent citizens of this township. The first 
school teachers were Peter Newhouse, Jackson Porter and 
William Whitaker. Jackson Porter was arrested and tried 
in the Hancock Circuit Court on a charge of murder for 
severely whipping one of his pupils one evening, from 
which he died on the following day. James Brown was 
the first colored m:in that ever lived in the township. He 
was a blacksmith by trade, and lived on the Harr}- Porter 
place. 



John P. Banks, 

now residing in Brandy wine township, in his seventy-third 
year, moved from Boone county, and settled in Greenfield 
in 1830, and followed teaming for two years, hauling pro- 
duce to Cincinnati and goods in return. He afterwards 
purchased a farm, and mo\'ed to Brand3'wine township, 
and engaged in agriculture, which business he has followed 
ever since. Mr. B. has been failing very rapidly for the 
past few years, yet we are still permitted to look into his 
honest face occasionally upon our streets. Mr. B. was a 
preacher in good standing for a number of years, and is 
ever recognized as an honest, conscientious man. 

Ephraim-Bentley 

was born November 15, 1829, in Ripley township, Rush 
county, Indiana, where he received his early education, 
attending the Friends' school at Walnut Ridge. His 
father living on a farm, young Ephraim's time was occu- 
pied in working thereon, and aiding in the support of a 



Ao6 HISTORY OK HANCOCK COUNTY. 

large family. Mr. B. was married September 26, 1855, 
to Pheriba Mundon, with whom he is still happily living. 
Mr. B. has spent most of his life farming, stock raising, 
and milling. For a time he run a saw-mill, and for ten 
years was the proprietor of what is now known as the 
Blue-River Flouring Mills. Mr. B. became a member of 
the I. O. O. F. in 1857, and is still an honored member 
thereof. In October, 1878, he was elected County Com- 
missioner for the middle, or second, commissioner's dis- 
trict, which position he is still holding. 

James Tyner 

was born in Aberville District, South Carolina, September 
19, 1807. His father moved to Indiana Territory- in 1808, 
and settled where Franklin county is now located. Here 
thev resided until 1813, when the}?^ moved to the territory 
now embodied in Fayette county. In 1829 the subject of 
this sketch was married to Lucinda Caldwell, with whom 
he is still happily living. In 1835 ^^^'' T-, wath his small 
family, moved to Hancock county, and settled in the green 
woods in Brandywine township, cleared an extensive farm, 
on which he still resides, and is enjoying the fruits of his 
labors at this date. Although Mr. T. is now past his 
three-score and ten, he truthfully says what probably few 
can sav at his age, that he never was under the necessity 
of having a doctor to attend him except through one 
" spell of sickness." Mr. T. is a member of the orthodox 
Baptist Church, known as Shiloh, a substantial Democrat, 
and has served a number of terms as County Commissioner 
of the second commissioner's district, being elected in 
1849, 1861, 1866 and 1872. During his official life he was 
recognized as a safe custodian of the county's best interests. 

John H. Pope 

was born in Brandywine township, July 11, 1852. He 
was the son of Elijah Pope, one of the early settlers in the 
township. His earl}' education he received at the common 



SEQUEL TO BRANDYWINE TOWXSHIl'. 407 

schools of his neighborhood, after which he took a course 
in the business college of Hannibal, Missouri, from which 
he graduated in 1873. Mr. P. traveled, taught school, 
and worked on the farm for a few years, when he was 
married, March 25, 1879, to Miss Almedia Moore, daugh- 
ter of the late Roland Moore, of Green township, with 
whom he lived happily until the date of her death, 
which occurred February 2, 1880. Referring to his 
early life, his father died when he was but about four 
years of age, and, notwithstanding he w^as left without 
paternal care, he grew up an exemplary, modest, un- 
assuming young man. After a short sickness, Mr. P. 
was called from works to rewards, January 26, 1882, 
leaving surviving him a mother and Coleman, an only 
brother, and his remains were followed by a large con- 
course of weeping friends to their last resting place, in 
Mt. Lebanon cemetery. 

James Alyea 

was born in New Jersey in 1797, moved to Hamilton 
county, Ohio, in 1812, thence to Hancock county in 1835, 
and entered land in Brandy wine township, upon which he 
now resides. He is now in his eighty-fifth year, is a well- 
to-do farmer, a good citizen, and was one of the early 
blacksmiths in the township. 



Hiram Thomas 

was born in Knox county, Kentucky, in 18 10. His parents 
moved to Franklin county, Indiana, in 181 1. There he 
resided until eighteen years of age. He came with his 
parents to Hancock county in the year 1829, and settled 
on Little Sugar creek, three miles north of the Brookville 
road. His nearest neighbors were John Baker on the 
south, James Gooding on the east, and Joseph Bellis on 
the west. Hiram Thomas is the father of ex-Sheriff 
Thomas, as has been noticed elsewhere. 



408 history of hancock county. 

George Muth, 

now residing in Brandywine township, emigrated to this 
country from Europe in 1819, and located in Baltimore, 
where he engaged in the mercantile business for a time, 
and afterwards in manufacturing cloth, but not liking the 
latter business, he soon came to Indiana, and settled in 
Brand^^wine township, where he still resides. Here he 
began farming through the week and preaching on Sun- 
day. Mr. M., as noted elsewhere, was the second 
preacher for the Albright Church, in Sugar-Creek town- 
ship, and is still standing on the walls of Zion. He served 
as captain of a company in the late civil war at the 
advanced age of sixty-six years, and did his dut\' well, 
and was honorably discharged. About two years since 
a few remaining members of his companv made him an 
agreeable surprise in the presentation of a gold-headed 
cane as a token of their high regcard for his faithful services. 

Wellington Collyer 

was born in the State of Ohio in the 3'ear 1816, and can 
therefore compare ages with the State of Indiana, and lose 
nothing by such comparison. In 1836 he came to Hancock 
county, and entered land, on which he now resides. Mr. 
Collyer is a strict, exemplary member of the Christian 
Church, in good standing, and has given freely of his 
means for its support. He is a staunch Democrat from 
education and principle rather than policy. Though firm 
in his convictions of right, he is not dogmatic in his views, 
but accords to others what he reserves for himself, the 
privilege of independent thought. 

Mr. C. is one of our most industrious, pains-taking 
farmers, is in hearty sympath}' with the poor and oppressed 
everywhere, and is one of the representative men of the 
township. 



CHAPTER XXVII. 



BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES. 



Nathaniel II. Roberts 



was born in East Virginia, September 30, 18 18. Wben 
quite young be moved witb bis parents to West Virginia, 
and settled in Nicols county, wbere be resided until 
eigbteen years of age, wben be moved to Union, tbe 
county seat of Monroe county, and engaged as clerk in 
tbe general store of Carpenter & Alexander, in wbicb be 
remained until 1845, at wbicb time be became a partner. 
He was also tbe proprietor of an extensive tobacco manu- 
factory until tbe late civil war. In 1852 be was married to 
Mary J. Campbell, wbo died in 1880. In 1869 be emi- 
grated to Indiana, and settled in Hancock county, wbere 
be farmed for one year, after wbicb be became proprietor 
of tbe Guymon House botel of tbis city. In tbe spring of 

1873 be was appointed Recorder of Hancock county. In 

1874 ^^^ ^'^^ elected Recorder, and re-elected in 1878, 
wbicb position be filled till tbe date of bis deatb, wbicb 
occurred July 7, 1881. Mr. R. was a liberal, consistent 
member of tbe Presbyterian faitb, baving joined tbe cburcb 
when but a bov, and also an bonored member of tbe F. and 
A. M., according to tbe rites and ceremonies of wbicb be 
was decently and respectfully interred in tbe new cemetery 
in Greenfield. 

"Colonel" R., as be was usually called, bad been 
declining in bealtb for sometime, and bad tberefore, like a 
wise man, arranged bis business and set bis bouse in order 
for tbe anticipated call, and, in order tbat bis cbildren 
migbt have a means of support, be bad, a short time prior 
to bis death, purchased and presented to Mary tbe only 
abstract of titles in the countv. 
27 



4IO HISTORY OF IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 

Mr. R. was a vcn- kind-hearted, accommodating man, 
who would suffer himself imposed upon rather than not 
seem courteous and obliging. In official life he was ever 
faithful and efficient, as tlie many neat and complete 
records of his own making are competent, unimpeached 
witnesses, ever ready to testify in his behalf. 

Mrs. Elizabeth Bradley, Nee Gray, 

was born in Clermont countv, Ohio, July 27, 1826. Her 
education was received at the common schools of her 
neighborhood. Being of a pious turn of mind, she joined 
the M. E. Church in Julv, 1842, at the earlv age of sixteen, 
and has since been an earnest, consistent and faithtul 
member, always contributing liberally with her means and 
influence for the promotion of truth and the advancement 
of the church. At the age of eighteen she was married to 

• Nelson Bradley, a poor but promising young man of her 
native county. In 1852 she came with her husband to 
McCordsville, and was there a useful member in society 
and one of the sisters in the church from whom many 

.received counsel and encouragement. In 1866 she moved 
to Greentield, where she has since resided. Mrs. Bradley 

■having no children of her own, has kindly furnished a 
home, educated and given a mother's care to two orphan 
children. Mrs. B. is naturally of a charitable, philan- 
thropic turn of mind, and, having the means at her 
command, has done much to alleviate the wants of the 
worthy poor of our city. She has been an earnest worker 
in the M. E. Sunday-school for a great many 3'ears, and 
has done much for its advancement by a liberal support 
thereof. She was President of the W. C. T. U. for two 
years. 

JoHX Foster 

was born in South Carolina in the year 1796. When quite 
young his parents moved to Tennessee, where he was 
reared. He emigrated to Indiana in 1816, and first located 



BIOGRAIMIIES AXD SKETCHES. 4II 

at or near the present town of Bloomington. He was 
employed as an assistant to the Government surveyors for 
several years. He removed to Shelb}' county, near Wolf's 
Mill, in 1821. In 1824 he was married to Miss Aberilla 
Tyner. In the year 1829 he came to Hancock county, 
and settled in Greenfield. He afterward removed to the 
country, and engaged in farming, which occupation he 
followed until the time of his death, which occurred April 

7, 1867. 

Mr. Foster filled man}- places ot honor and trust in the 
county and State, among which were the following: He 
was the first Sheriff of the county, being elected in 1828 
and 1836. He represented the lower house in the Legis- 
lature in 1838 and 185 1, and was Treasurer of the county 
in 1854. 

The portrait which we present ot him on page 255 was 
cut from a daguerreotype taken while he was a member of 
the Legislature. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church 
in this city, and was one of the earliest members thereof. 

■ George L. Knox, 

the son of a free mulatto w^oman and a colored Baptist 
preacher, was born September 16, 1841, and, though 
legally born free, was held in bondage and treated as a 
slave until the taking effect of the emancipation proclama- 
tion, in 1863, when, by quietly leaving between two days, 
travelinji at ni<;ht and hiding' in the bushes and under old 
houses in the day, he finally reached the land of freedom, 
arriving at Indianapolis in 1864. At the age of four, young 
Knox was sold to one of the heirs of his master's estate 
for $300. Being a portly, promising " darkey," his new 
master was offered for him, at the age of sixteen, the neat 
sum of $i,6oo in gold, cash down, but, being a kind of 
favorite in the family, the offer was promptly rejected. 
He worked on a farm until eighteen 3'ears of age, when he 
went to the town of Statesville, Wilson county, Tennessee, 
and engaged in shoemaking for two years, after which he 
entered the Union armv for a vear as a teamster. 



412 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 



October 2, 1865, Mr. K. was married to Miss Arilla 
Harvey, of Marion county, with whom he is still living. 
He at once moved to Greenfield, and opened a barber shop 
in the Gooding Corner, where he is still holding forth. 

Mr. K. has been a faithful member of the A. M. E. 
Church for several years, and has contributed liberallv for 




CAKVIX n. GU.LIAM. 



its support. He became a Mason in 1S68 and an Odd 
Fellow in 1879, is an enthusiastic Republican and a good 
citizen, honored and respected by all. 



Cai.vin Ji. Gilliam, 

the iirst colored teacher in Hancock county, was a Christ- 
mas present, in 1853, to Moody and Julia A. Gilliam, early 
settlers of 15oone countv. He attended a district school 



BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES. 4I3 

for six months ; was two terms in Union High School at 
Westfield, but the principal part of his education was re- 
ceived at Spiceland, Henry county. He contemplated 
entering Wilmington College, Ohio, but was not admitted 
on account of color. His early life was spent on a farm, 
and in the school room. In the spring of 1873 Mr. G. 
joined the Grangers, and was elected chaplain. In poli- 
tics he is a Republican, and though not a member of any 
religious denomination, he leans toward the Methodists. 
Mr. G. is a modest young man, and is well liked as a 
teacher by his pupils and patrons, with whose interest he 
seems fully identified. 



Hox. Thomas D. Wat.poee, 

was born in Zanesville, Ohio, March 20, 18 16, and removed 
with his parents to Indianapolis in 1822. There his boy- 
hood days were passed and his early education received. 
In 1834 ^^^ settled at Greentield, Hancock county, and 
soon entered upon an entensive and profitable practice. 
At that time he was a Whig in politics. Young, talented 
and ardent and a partisan in temperament, he entered 
zealously into the political discussions of the da}'. In 
1836 he was elected to the Legislature when barely of the 
requisite age, and he was also a member of the twent}'- 
second session, which convened in the year 1S37. ^^ the 
excited canvass of 1840 he took an active part, and was 
elected to the Senate from the district composed of the 
counties of Hancock and Madison : in the twenty-sixth 
session, 1841-2, the twenty-seventh session, 1842-3, and 
the twenty-eighth session, 1843-4. In the twent^'-seventh 
session, Hon. Samuel Hall, who had been elected Lieu- 
tenant Governor, having resigned, Mr. Walpole was elected 
President of the Senate, and filled the position with dignity 
and impartiality during that and the subsequent session. 
Mr. Walpole was also elected to the Senate in 1847, and 
ser\ed in 1848, 1849 and 1850 in the thirty-second, thirt\- 
lliircl and thirtx'-fourth sessions of the General Assembh". 



414 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

In 1848 he was Presidential Elector, and canvassed the 
eastern part of the State' for Taylor and Fillmore, In 
1850 he was elected to the Constitutional Convention from 
his Senatorial district from the counties of Hancock and 
Madison, He was a statesman as well as a politician, and 
thoroughly understood our theory of government. Although 
a member of the Whig party, he was watchful of the rights 
of the people, and any attempt to circumscribe the liberty 
of the citizens was sure to rouse to fierce invective the fiery 
eloquence which burned on his lips. He was an active, 
influential member of the convention, and left his impress 
upon its proceedings. 

In 1852 Mr, Walpole joined the Democratic party, and 
entered zealously into the canvass for Franklin Pierce. He 
bitterly opposed the Know-Nothing partv, and labored as 
earnestly to uphold the Democratic banner as he had 
formerly done to sustain the measures advocated bv Clay 
and Webster and other great lights of the old Whig party. 
Mr, Walpole afterward represented Hancock countv in the 
lower branch of the Legislature, being in the thirt3'-eiglith 
session in 1855 and in the thirty-ninth session in 1857. 
The people demanded his services, for as a legislator he 
was watchtul and careful of their interests, and he really 
accepted the trust and honor at a pecuniary sacrifice. 

Mr, Walpole was never defeated in his county. Men 
of all parties acknowledged his worth and integrity as a 
legislator, and, whether as a Whig or Democrat, he 
received the suflVage of the people among whom he lived 
whenever his name was presented. 

As a lawyer Mr. Walpole stood high in his profession. 
He was quick and clear in his perceptions, fertile in 
resources and ingenious in his management of points in 
his case. As an ad\ocate before a jury he was very suc- 
cessful. His knowledge of human nature enabled him to 
read his auditory at a glance, and few could withslaiul the 
charm of his eloquent periods. 

In No\-ember, 1840, Mr. Walpole was married to Miss 
Estiier Br\-an, of Centerville, Wa^ne countN', Indiana. In 



BIOGRAPHIES AM) SKETCHES. 4I5 

i860 he removed with his family to Indianapohs, where he 
continued in the active practice of his profession up to his 
death, in October, 1863. He left a wife and four children, 
two sons and two daughters. 

Dr. N. p. Howard, Jr., 

youngest son of Dr. N. P.- Howard, Sr,, was born in 
Greenfield, February 6, 1856. His early literary educa- 
tion was received at the Greenfield public schools, after 




which he was a student of Asburv University for a consid- 
erable time, during all of which training he had in view 
the medical profession, and on leaving college at once 
entered the office of the well-known medical firm of 
Howard & Martin, where he took a course of reading 
preparatory to a course of lectures in a medical college of 
Indiana, from which he graduated in 1879, soon after 
which he was married to ' Miss Elizabeth E., youngest 
daughter of John W. Rvon, of Greenfield, and at once 
began the practice of medicine, forming a partnership with 
his preceptors, and is now the junior member of the firm 
of Howard, Martin & Howard. He was recenth- appointed 



4l6 HISTORY OP' HANCOCK COUNTY. 

Secretary of the County Board ot Health, and entered at 
once upon his duties. Probably no young physician of 
the county ever entei"ed upon the practice under more 
favorable circumstances and auspicious surroundings. 

Henry Wright, 

son of Joseph Wright, was born in Buck-Creek township, 
Hancock county, Ind., November 28, 1838. His educa- 
tion was principally received at the public schools of his 
neigborhood, attending one term at Oakland Graded 
School, after which he began teaching, and followed this 
occupation through twenty terms. He was deputy Auditor 
under Hon. A. C. Handy for a time. In October, 1875, 
he was elected Auditor of Hancock county, and entered 
upon his official duties November 2, 1876. In October, 
1879, he was re-elected, and entered upon his second term 
November 2, 1880. He was married March 13, 1877, to 
Miss Dora E. Davis, a native of Kentuck3\ Mr. W. has 
been a member of the orders of Red Men, Patrons of Hus- 
bandry and Workingmen, and has been an honored mem- 
ber of the Masonic order since i860. Mr. W., through 
his official life, has been a kind and accommodating officer. 

James A. New 

was born in Hancock county, Indiana, on the i8th day of 
October, 1850. His earl}' education was received at the 
common district schools, attending in the winter and work- 
iniT on the farm in the summer. His father, William New, 
, one of the county's industrious farmers, endeavored to 
teach his children that farming and manual lal^or were ///r 
prerequisites to success; but "Jim." being of a ditlerent 
opinion, earh^ began to prepare himself for his chosen 
course in life. His last days as a pupil in the country 
schools were spent under the tutorage of the writer. Here 
he was fitted for college, having completed the common 
branches, algebra, geometr}', trigonometry, philosoph}-, 
and other branches of e(^ual grade. At the age of sixteen 



RIOGKAI'HIES AND SKETCHES. 4I7 

he entered Bainbridge Academy, in Putnam count}-, In- 
diana, for one year, and the following year entered Asburv 
University, at Greencastle, Indiana, where he continued 
his studies for a similar time, when he was compelled, on 
account of failing health, to take a year's rest, after which 
he entered the State University at Bloomington, Indiana, 
where he finished his collegiate studies in the year 1872. 
Mr. New had early in life formed the desire of becoming a 
lawyer, and, much against the wishes of his parents, began 
study with that view. After the close of his college train- 
ing, he entered the law office of Hamilton J. Dunbar. 
Here he made rapid progress, and on the ist day of June, 
1873, was admitted to the bar of the Hancock Circuit 
Court, and began the practice as a partner of his pre- 
ceptor, and continued as such until the 5th of September, 
1876, the date of Mr. Dunbar's death. In 1869 Mr. New 
was elected County Examiner for this county, and dis- 
charged the duties of said office with credit to himself and 
honor to the people. Feeling that his professional duties 
needed his entire attention, he declined to become a candi- 
date for a second term, and has since been whollv eniraffed 
m the law. 

On the 8th day of November, 1876, Mr. New was mar- 
ried to Miss Emma Swope, of this city, the fruits of which 
union are two sprightly children — a bo}- and a girl. Mr. 
N. is a member of the M. E. Church, and contributes lib- 
erally to the support thereof. He has been a life-long 
Democrat, though never aspiring to otlice, believing that 
law and politics cannot be successfully wedded. He has 
an excellent librar}-, stands high in the profession, and is 
recognized as an able debater and a tenacious opponent. 
He is a genial gentleman, always ready for a good joke 
and a heart}' laugh, and by industry and close application 
has acliieved a handsome competence. 

John E. Dye 

dates his earthly journey ings on terra iinua from June 25, 
1S45, vSugar-Creek township, tliis countv. He is a son of 



4i8 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



the late John Dye, who came to Indiana in 1809 from Ken- 
tucky, where he was born in 1803. He came to Wayne 
county in 1836, where he resided for a short time ; thence 
to Sugar-Creek township, his future home to the date of 
his death. John E. received a fair Enghsh education at 
home and at Knightstown. He taught two terms of school 
in Sugar-Creek and Buck-Creek townships, and was five 
3'ears in the drug store at Philadelphia, Indiana, termi- 
nating in 1877. He was married in 1864 ^*^ Miss Henri- 
etta, daughter of Dr. M. M. VanLaningham, He is a 




farmer, a staunch Democrat, and a social gentleman. In 
person, he is of a bilious temperament, dark hair and 
eyes, six feet two inches in height, and one himdred and 
eighty-five pounds in weight. Mr. D. was elected Com- 
missioner of the Third Commissioner's District in 1880, 
which position he is still holding. 



William M. WiaoHT, 

youngest son of Joseph and Eli>:ubeth Wright, was born 
June 19, 1850; attended the common schools of tiic dis- 
trict three months in the }'ear, until he began teaching in 
187 1, which he followed during the winter season i'ov eight 



BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES. 



419 



or nine terms, mostly in liis native township. He was 
married April 20, 1873, to Miss Mary C, daughter of 
Hamilton Welling, of . Buck-Creek township. He was 
elected Trustee of Buck-Creek township in 1876, and re- 
elected in 1878. He is an honored member of the F. and 
A. M. ; was appointed Deputy Auditor in 1880, which po- 
sition he still holds. Mr. W. is a young man, a good 
Democrat and an affable gentleman. 

Dr. Samuel M. Martin, 

son of Dr. William H. Martin, of Rush county, was born 
in Rushville, Indiana, March 7, 1842. His father being a 
pln'sician and literary man, and at one time, as previously 
stated. Secretary' of the Board of Examiners of the Indi- 
ana Medical Institute, endeavored to give his children 
favorable opportunities for an education. Young Martin 
early espoused the idea of following in his father's foot- 
steps, and embracing the medical profession, but while in 
the midst of his study of medics, the thrilling accounts of 
the civil war enthused his mind, hred his patriotism, and 
carried him to the scene of carnage, where he remained 
until discharged for a gun-shot w'ound through the left side 
of the body, at the battle of Pea Ridge, Arkansas, March 
I, 1862. He now turned his thoughts in his chosen chan- 
nel, and had the honor, in 1865, of graduating in the 
Cincinnnati College of Physicians and Surgeons. The fol- 
lowing year he was married to Miss Florence F., only 
daughter of Dr. N. P. Howard, with whom he formed a 
partnership, and at once entered upon tlie practice of his 
chosen profession. 

Dr. M., though scarcely in the prime of life, stands 
high in the profession, has a lucrati\'e practice, and is 
much of a <xentleman. 

Miss Mary N. Roberts, 

a native of West Virginia, and daughter of the late Xa- 
tlianiel H. Roberts, came to this city with her parents in 



420 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



1869, where she received a common school education. 
She learned readily, and in 1876 entered the County Re- 
corder's office as deputy under her father, where she has 
since been employed. On the death of her father, b}- 
unanimous consent, it was agreed that she should have the 
emoluments of the office for the unexpired term, and at a 
public meeting of citizens of the county a non-partisan 
committee was appointed, who agreed on John Ryon as 




nominally Recorder, in whose name she should act. In addi- 
tion to her work as deput}', she has devoted much of her 
time in furnishing abstracts of titles, in all of which duties 
she has ever been recognized as accommodating, faithlul 
and efficient. 

Amos C. Beeson 

was born in Randolph count}', Indiana, July 29, 1842 ; 
moved to Blue-River township, Hancock county, Indiana, 
October, 1856, and remained on the farm with his father 
until 1861, when he became an apprentice in the office ot 
The Hancock Democrat. lie remained there one year, 
when he enlisted as a prixatc soldier in Company G, 79^^ 
Reiriment of Indiana Volunteer Infantrv. He served w'ith 
his regiment, participating in tlie battles of Chicamauga, 



HIOCJRAI'IIIES AND SKETCHES. 42 1 

Lookout Mountain, Knowille, the lii\st Tennessee cam- 
paign. Tunnel Hill, Dalton, Resaca, Cassville, Lost Moun- 
tain, and Kenesaw Mountain, being so severely wounded 
in the latter, June 23, 1864, that he was discharged Febru- 
ary 5, 1.865. I^ March, 1865, he was appointed Deputy 
Recorder of Hancock county, and elected Recorder in 
1865, being the only Republican ever elected to that posi- 
tion. He resigned August 1, 1879, having purchased an 
interest in the Winc/icstcr yoiirnal, one ot" the oldest and 
leading local papers in Eastern Indiana, of which paper 
he is still the editor and sole proprietor. In March, 1881, 
he was elected, by the Legislature of Indiana, as one of 
the Directors of the Prison North, aiid on the organization 
of the Board of Directors was elected its President, which 
position he still holds. Was married in 1867 to Miss 
Maggie Marsh, of Plue-Ri\-er township, and his family 
consists of two little bows. Masters Willie and Charlie. 

Coi.oi<i':i) M. E. Church 

was organized about 1874 in the upper story of the fi'ame 
building on North State street, opposite Morgan's li\ery 
stable, bv Rev. J. II. James. The lirst members were 
G. L. Knox. Jane and Martha Hunt, Eliza Brazelton, 
Daniel Jenkins c/ al. Their next meetings were held in 
the new room of the two-story frame building on South 
State street, owned bv L. W. Gooding. Thence to the 
present place of worship, a neat one-story frame in the 
south part of tb.e city. Present minister, George W. 
Zeigler. In connection with this church is an interesting 
Sunda3--school, G. L. Knox^ Superintendent. 

Hancock Commandery No. 6 

of the Knights of Universal Brotherhood was instituted 
December i, 1881, by John T. Francis, Grand Deputy, 
assisted bv the Sir Knights of the Continental Commandery 
of Indianapolis. The ollicers are: A. L. Sullivan, Illus- 



422 IIISTOliV OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 

trious Commander ; R. ITagen, Captain General ; John S. 
Hiintsinger, Master of Ceremonies ; Warren Comstock, 
Registering Chief; A. N. Fitz, Chief of Records; A. C. 
Hamilton, Herald at Arms ; S. S. Spangler, Junior War- 
den ; John R. Smith, Outer Warden ; James II. Bragg, 
James Wilson, Jackson Bridges, Trustees ; Dr. J. A. Hall. 
Examining Physician. This order is founded on the prin- 
ciple of fraternity and mutual aid, and claims to elevate 
humanity, advise, encourage and assist its members. 
Charter members, about forty ; nigiit of meeting, Thursday 
of each week, in the third storv of Masonic building. 



A Bit of School History. 

It was in the summer of 1874 ^^^'"^^ New Palestine, a 
place then noted for "running out" teachers before their 
terms had expired, in selecting a principal for the coming 
vear, decided to make a change and elect a lady for the 
position, the like of which had never been done in that 
place. As the result ot their choice they decided on 
Mattie J. Binford, a graduate of Earlham College, who 
had served as principal at Walnut Ridge, Rush county, 
the preceding year, with such success that they would have 
raised her wages considerably rather than to have lost her 
services. There were some of the employers at New 
Palestine prejudiced from the beginning. They said /it> 
ladv could govern their boys. The new principal knew 
but verv little of the circumstances until she was engaged. 
Then she was determined there should be no "backing 
out*' on her part, but that she would strive to do them all 
the good in her power. With these pure motives she began 
her school, a term of a little over six months. She visited 
the school-house two or three days before school was to 
open in order to get fully ready. The walls had been 
newh' whitewashed, the floor scrubbed, and the stoves 
blackened ; so when the new eight-day clock, several 
pictures, mottoes, surrounded by wreaths of evergreen 
and corner bouquets, all had suitable positions on the walls. 



BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES. 423 

the room looked real coz\'. Several visitors were present 
at the openintjj, and expressed themselves as well pleased 
with the rules and regulations given by the principal. 
School progressed hnely, and all seemed to work with a 
will. Qiiite a large number visted the school, especially 
on Fridav afternoons, when there were literary exercises, 
and they nearly always expressed themselves in the Vis- 
itor's Record as well pleased. Still there was opposition, 
and fault-finders were not scarce. They said there was no 
sense in her trying to keep the house so neat, that the 
" big boys " might as well spit on the tioor all they wished, 
that so many ornaments in a school-room was a useless 
expenditure of money (just as though the teacher had not 
borne all the expense), and that she had so many nczi< 
methods of instruction, &c. However, things moved along 
until after the holidays without more than has been men- 
tioned. Two weeks of holidays were granted, and when 
the principal returned to her duties she treated the school 
on candy, raisins and wedding cake as a token of her good 
will to all : but it was not many weeks until it was manifest 
that trouble was brewing. The first case occurred one 
morning not long after the opening exercises, when a tall 
young man, whom the principal had temporarily suspended 
the preceding day for positiveh' refusing to do as she bade 
him, came at her with clenched tist, and threatened to 
knock her brains out. Doubtless he thought that he could 
scare her out of the room, but he was mistaken this time. 
She said not a word, but stood her ground. He soon 
quieted down and took his seat. It was not many minutes 
until the trustee came in, and she informed him of her 
trouble. He ordered this pupil to take his books at once 
and go home, but instead of obej'ing he came at the trustee 
with a large iron poker. The latter swerved not an inch, 
however he was not struck. At recess the teacher and 
trustee stepped over to the 'Squire's office, and the former 
filed an affidavit against this young man for abusing her in 
the presence of her school, &c. Accordingly he was fined 
near twenty dollars. 



424 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

In the afternoon of the same day the school was very 
unexpectedly visited by the mother of one of the pupils, a 
little boy about seven years of age. The teacher had been 
obliged to correct this pupil, so his little sister slipped home 
at recess and informed his mother of it. So in a few min- 
utes, while a class was on the floor reciting, in she came, 
quite a large woman, shaking her lists at the principal, 
and bemeaninii her before the school. When asked bv the 
teacher to take a seat and be quiet, she heeded not, but 
said she had as much right in there as she had. On being 
told that there was a section in the school law forbidding 
such conduct, she said she was not afraid of the school 
law, of the teacher, or of all Palestine. She even assumed 
authority, and went to changing her children's seats to 
suit herself. The teacher seeing no other alternative to 
rid the school from the annoyance, asked one of the grown 
pupils to take charge, and stepped over to the 'Squire's 
office for assistance, as the director would not act in former 
cases ; but before she got biick this woman was out and 
gone. The teacher at once changed her children's seats 
as they were before her visit, and recitation went on as 
usual until the common time for closing. 

After school, the teacher, seeing that her school would 
be broken up if such an offense should go unpunished, 
went again to the 'Squire's office, and laid in complaint 
against this woman for visitinsf the school with the avowed 
purpose of insulting and upbraiding her in the presence of 
her pupils. A lawyer was emplo^-ed on each side, and a 
jur}'' called. The verdict rendered was against this woman, 
and of course she was thrown into the costs. A dear visit 
it proved to her. Then she and her husband had the prin- 
cipal arrested for '"assault and battery," but the verdict 
rendered was not guilty. The people of that district then 
saw that a teacher had some rights which they were bound 
to respect, and they have had good schools there ever 
since. The principal taught her term out, and also taught 
a subscription term of two months. The next 3'ear she 
had the opportunity of teaching grammar and geography 



BIOGKAPHIES AND SKETCHES. 425 

at Earlhani Collei^e, and has been engaged in teaching in 
other phices every year since, until one year ago last 
August she accepted a school of one scholar, \iz : Clarkson 
Elliott, of Fountain City, Wayne county, and is now located 
eight miles north of Richmond. 

William II. Thompson, 

Sheriff of Hancock county, was born in Hamilton county, 
Ohio, April 14, 1842. His early education was received 
in his native State, after which he attended the common 
schools of Indiana for a time, and was six months in the 
graded schools of Lafayette. At the age of eighteen he 
removed with his parents to Brandywine township, this 
county, where he resided until his appointment as deputy 
Sheriff under William Tliomas, in 1875, ^^■hich position he 
tilled for two terms. In 1878 he was elected Sheriff of the 
county and re-elected in 1880. 

Mr. T."s parents were at one time in good financial 
circumstances, but lost their all by indorsement. Thus 
early in life he was thrown upon his own resources and 
brought face to face with the stern realities of life, and. 
aside from supporting himself, he was ever readv to lend 
a helping hand to his parents in their declining years. 
His father died in 1876 and his mother in 1878. Mav 8, 
1881, he was married to Miss Malinda E., daughter of the 
late Robert Smith, of Brandvwine township. As an 
officer, Mr. Thompson is recognized as impartial, faithful 
and efficient. 

Hon. Joseph Chapman, 

one of the most prominent men in the early historv of 
Hancock county, who had iilled the various positions of 
tarmcr, county officer, legislator and soldier, died in the 
service of his countr}^ April 3, 1848, in Mexico, at the 
age of fifty-seven. He was a native of the Buckeye State, 
lived for a number of years in Rush county, and came to 
Hancock county in 1829. He was twice married, first to 
28 



426 HISTORY OF HAXCOCIC COUNTY. 

Miss Jane Curry, b_\' whom he had six children ; the 
second time to Miss Matilda Agnes, by whom he had five 
children. His first wife was buried in the old cemetery in 
Greenfield. 

Mr. Chapman was elected Clerk of the county in 1832, 
and represented the county in the lower house of the 
Legislature in 1837, 1839, ^^4^' 18^2 and 1843. In person 
he was square built, dark hair and eyes, of a bilious tem- 
perament, medium in height, and about one hundred and 
sevent}^ pounds in weight. In politics he was a Democrat, 
and was often pitted against Thomas D. Walpole, a prom- 
inent Whig at that date. He was a member of the 
Methodist Church, and died in the faith. 

We give below a letter written by Mr. C. while in 
Mexico, which is of interest as showing the stvle and 
character of its author : 

Jalapa, Mexico, December 3, 1S47. 

Mv Dear Wife and Children : Again I am placed in 
my tent, very tired, but cheerful and happv as ever I was in 
my life, and I suppose that I need not say that I hope that these 
few lines may find you enjoying the same state of health, as I 
do think you will be ready to acknowledge and believe that my 
very soul has always been wrapped up in the love of my famih'. 

We have traveled six hard days' march towards the City 
of Mexico, and will have some ten or twelve more before we 
get there, as it is very laborious moving a large army. The 
whole country through which we have passed is hilly, moun- 
tainous and rocky, but looks romantic, and in some places very 
pretty, as the trees are now covered with blossoms, but there 
is but little fruit. There is but little danger here, or indeed do 
I think there is but little danger any place in this country, as 
we can hear of no army any place in the government. There 
are a few guerrillas along the road, but dare not appear or show 
fight. I saw one who had just been killed, and some of the 
boys say that they saw six or eight more. I was out hunting 
and saw a few black fellows, but they run like devils, and I got 
no shot. There w^as but two of us, A. Pauley and myself, but 
it appears as though one can chase a dozen. There is still no 
immediate prospect of peace. 



BIOGRAPHIES AND SKETCHES. 



427 



On the ascent from Vera Cniz to Mexico the chniates suc- 
ceed eacli other as it were by stories, and in our travel we have 
passed through every variety of vegetation. The tropical plants 
are succeeded by the oak, and the salubrious air of Jalapa 
replaces the deadly air of Vera Cruz. The sky is generalh- 
cloudless, and but very little rain, and a succession of hills, 
seemingly at some day the boundary of lakes, are now the 
limits of extensive plains or rolling prairies, but the rocks or 
stones all very near the surface. The country is barren because 
it is very dry and stony, but every stream is accompanied with 
some fertile land. The snow is in sight on the mountains, and 
contributes much to cool the air now, as it is cloudy ; and it is 
said to be the coldest day ever experienced in this country. It 
would be called cold in our country' in May. The coffee bush 
grows here. The berries are now ripe, and is a small red berry, 
very juicy, and as poisonous as can be. 

The timber is low and crooked. I have seen no tree in the 
country that would have made a rail cut. Everything, weed, 
bush and tree, except the scrubby oak and orange bush and 
coffee bush, has thorns on. The thorns resemble the thorn on 
the honey locust, but they are more crooked, and as thick as 
they can grow from top to bottom, leaf and all. 

JosEPic Chapman. 

Robert Smith 

was born near Abbington, Virginia, January 26, 1808. In 
1818 he moved with his parents to Indiana, first settling in 
Clark county, afterwards in Rush, and in about 1830 came 
to Hancock, entering the farm on which he lived and now 
owned by the family. With his own hands he cleared 
away the dense forests, the home of the deer, wild turkey, 
and wild hog that at that early day could be found on 
almost every farm in our county. His father coming w^ith 
him to this county, entered land, and was one of the early 
pioneers of the county, and served at one time as County 
Commissioner. 

Mr. Smith's opportunities for acquiring an education 
were limited, as school-houses were then few and terms of 
school short, yet he was ever a firm friend of schools, and 



428 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

always sought to g-ive his children "' a better bringing up 
than he had had," and he lived to see most of them receive 
.a good education. He was married March 9, 1S40, to 
■Mary Power, with whom he lived pleasantly until his 
death, which occurred July 22, 1877, at his residence. 

Mrs. Smith, his widow, still lives, and is enjoying lair 
health. Her teachings and her Christian example had 
much to do in directing both husband and children in the 
right way, and to that mother is due, in a large degree at 
least, the present standing of her children in society. 

Mr. Smith in politics was a Democrat and in religion a 
Methodist. In Ml. Lebanon Cemetery- a suitable monu- 
ment is found marking the last resting place of Mr. S., a 
devoted Christian and a a"ood citizen. 



CeINIETERIES OF THE CoUNTY. 

It has been said: "The past has taught its lesson, 
the present has its dut}-, and the future its hope." 

We often hear of the sad iuul neglected condition ot~ 
the cemeteries of the different sections of our country, but 
nowhere could this painful fact be illustrated better and in 
all its most repelling features than in this county, the home 
of intelligent, liberty-loving American people. I need not 
say, as Anthon}- said, " Ye who have tears prepare to shed 
them now," but you who have yourselves seen the shame- 
ful condition in which the last resting places of friends who 
are loved by you, can you not but reflect a moment and 
say to yourself, this must be changed. I must pa}' more 
respect to those who were near and dear to me. When 
you pass along and behold the fences decaying, rotten and 
falling down ; when you see the bushes and briers which 
are covering the graves ; when you see the beasts of the 
field treading unmercifull}^ through the inclosure ; when 
you see what were once tombstones broken and scattered 
into fragments upon the ground, can you feel anything but 
a shudder come over you, and that you have not done your 
duty or shown any more respect to dear departed kindred 



UKXiKAPIlIKS AM) SKK-rLlII-:s, q.2Q 

than \()U wimlcl sliow to the beasts ot' the tielcl ami the 
fowls ot' the air? 

Our cemeteries, like our otlicc-seekers, are too numer- 
ous, and some must be ncjxlected. One of the worst 
features in the ease is the Tiiany jirixate burial gTouncls. 
What think \ou, dear husband, of burying- your wit'e where 
the cows and sheep will be pastured in years to come? 
What think vou, noble, kind-hearted mother, ol' buryint^ 
your dear children where the plow will hereafter turn up 
the soil Irom over their heads, and leave nothing to show 
where was their resting place? "S'et this is done, and has 
been done frequenth', in (hu" county. Ever^'thing must 
change, and lands must change owners. Do you think 
that a man, knowing nothing of the parties buried on his 
place, no diflerence how^ near and dear they ma}- be to 
others, will show them an\- respect? lie will not, and he 
will not hesitate to desecrate them. Then, my dear friends, 
as the past has taught its lesson, profit by it ; as the present 
has its duty, come Ibrward and do it. You are not all 
expected to erect monuments, but lessen the number of 
your cemeteries, and give what few tliat remain more 
attention. Think that if you were there, would it not be 
better to show some mark of attention and respect. "We 
are all swit'tly gliding down the stream of time, and the 
places which now know us will know us no more, but our 
bodies will be consigned to similar abodes to those of dear 
friends who have passed bel'ore."" 



CHAPTER XXVIII. 
general topics. 

Progress of Our Schools. 

Among the things most noteworthy which distinguish 
modern from ancient civilization is the progress which all 
classes have made in regard to education. Our intelligent 
and energetic forefathers early saw that a system of educa- 
tion must be established to protect freedom, to create 
enterprise and to establish institutions, of which the world 
may well feel proud, but we must observe that the progress 
has been slow, and we notice as it has passed along it has 
gained a steadfast footing at every step. 

In Hancock count}- the first school-house w^as erected 
in 1823 in Blue-River township. A similar building was 
established in Greenfield in 1824. School buildings were 
erected in Jackson, Sugar Creek and Harrison (now 
Center) in 1830, and in 1836 in Green and Brown, and in 
Vernon a little later. And what kind of buildings do you 
think they were? Structures which, in dimensions, were 
sometimes twenty feet square, constructed of logs and 
poles, cracks daubed with mud, but not excluding the 
cutting blasts of wind ; a fire-place of huge dimensions 
occupied a prominent position, wliich admitted logs that 
required the muscular power of the large boys to be 
brought into action ; desks without backs, and seats made 
out of split saplings, which ever now and then precipitated 
the occupants to the floor, to the delight of the rest of the 
school ; oiled paper for lights and a puncheon floor. Two 
pins over the teacher's desk held the onlv needful appara- 
tus (at least so they thought at that time) to make a good 
school. The supply of switches was always abundant. 



GENERAL TOPICS. 43 I 

and the master improved every opportunity to use them. 
The saying was, "Spare the rod and you spoil the child." 

The schools were then organized by subscription, last- 
ing through a period of thirteen weeks, the teacher 
receiving $25 or $30 for the term. Then the light of 
science had not dawned upon the people, and school was 
lield from early in the morning until late in the evening, 
allowing five minutes in the morning and evening for 
recess and one hour at noon. Oh, how these energetic 
"lads and lasses" longed to breathe the fresh and pure 
air without such a dilapidated inclosure. Think of the 
idea of sitting on backless poles for ten hours a da3\ 

The men who came forward to instruct and cultivate 
the minds of the rising generatien were not always men of 
culture themselves, coming from England, Ireland and 
other countries and engaging in the profession until thev 
could find a more suitable calling. Then another class 
of unsuccessful business men came forward to instruct 
the most brilliant minds in our country. How could it be 
possible to have a competent corps of teachers when the 
examinations and qualifications was a matter of minor 
importance, the great requisite being the ability to use the 
" rod" unsparingly on all occasions. But we can not but 
admire their feeling in regard to morality ; strict in morals 
and of unquestionable integrity, spurning an insult, and 
not afraid to stand by what they considered their rights 
and privileges. Frequent fights on this account often 
occurred, and it was hard to tell who was the innocent 
party. 

"Loud schools" were held throughout the countrv, 
and it would be interesting to hear a school preparing their 
lessons ; and this plan, although having its defects, prob- 
ably had some advantages. Examine their methods of 
instruction, teaching what the}- called the three R"s, 
" Readin', Ritin' and Rithmetic," giving very little instruc- 
tion on any branch, but allowing their pupils to use their 
own energy if they desired to succeed. Books of all kinds 
and in every condition were used, and classes were nunier- 



432 HISTORY OF IIAXCOCK COUNTY. 

ous and xcvy small until 1857, when all were required to 
obtain a certain class of books suitable for their instruction, 
and they were ready to engage in a more methodical and 
orderly way of learning, and it has truly been said that 
" Order is the first law of God." 

Our county seminary was established in 1842 at Green- 
field, and continued to flourish until 1852, when the law 
eflecting all similar buildings was passed and abolished 
the institution. 

The public policy of our nation has alwa3-s been for the 
advancement of the interest of her people, and in this she 
has been followed by the States. Virginia, although she 
has probably in after times made blunders, came nobly and 
majestically to the front and donated to the General Goy- 
ernment the yast domain of which our State is a part. 
The people of Indiana should eyer feel grateful to Virginia 
for her unexcelled patriotism and devotion. The ordinance 
made in regard to this vast domain, in 1787, showed on its 
face that this section was destined to have a happy and 
glorious triumph in the future ; for in the third article it 
was declared that "Religion, morality and knowledge 
being necessary to the good government and happiness of 
mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever 
be encouraged." Section sixteen in each Congressional 
township was reserved for school purposes, and this has 
assisted greatly in establishing our grand school fund. 

In 1816 superintendents were appointed to lease the 
lands, but not for more than seven 3'ears. In 1824 a new 
law took effect, and established three trustees to look after 
the educational interests of each township. In 1836 the 
county school commissioner was created, and in 1843 the 
State Treasurer performed the duty of Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, but how different were their powers 
from what the}' are at present. Like the articles of con- 
federation, a great many things might be suggested, but 
ver}^ few enforced. 

Up to this time very little had been done in the way of 
advancing education. Now a new light seemed to appear 



GENERAL TOPICS. 433 

before the minds of a portion of our honored citizens. The 
schools had mostly been carried on by private means, and 
in a rude manner. The system of free schools was begin- 
ning to be discussed, but public sentiment seemed to be 
against it. The people had not yet been brought up to 
view education in its proper light. The voters of Hancock 
county, in convention, advanced fearlessly to the front and 
denounced a system of free schools, with all of its proposed 
advantages, yet it had its supporters, and in 1852 the law 
establishing the free schools triumphed over its foes, and 
soon won most of them to its support. How great the 
progress in education. Schools and colleges were estab- 
lished and comfortable buildings supplied the places of the 
worthless and neglected log pens. 

In 1852 the Superintendent of Public Instruction and 
State Board were established. In 1865 teachers' institutes 
were established in all the counties of Indiana, and at the 
same time the State Normal at Terre Haute. Both of 
these have been of great advantage to our teachers. Pre- 
vious to this time, in 1834, ^^^' State University was 
established at Bloomington. Thus we have the advantage 
of learning in all its branches of knowledge. In 1873 the 
county superintendency was established, and at the same 
time the county board and township institute, all of which 
tend to better prepare the educators of our county. 

Our common school fund, which exceeds that of any 
other State by $2,000,000, is from the following sources: 
Congressional township fund, which, as has already been 
described, from the sale of lands ; the bank tax fund, said 
bank being established in 1834. Twelve and one-half 
cents was deducted from the dividends of each share of 
stock, to be set apart for the school fund, amounting to 
$80,000. During Jackson's administration all debts were 
paid, and left a large surplus in the treasury, which was 
distributed among the several States, Indiana's portion 
being $860,254. Our Legislature set apart from this 
amount $573,502 96 for school, purposes. This is known 
as the Surplus Revenue. At the same time that the bank 



434 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



was established, in 1834, ^^^ ^^^ ^^^^ provided that after 
the indebtedness, principal and interest, had been paid, 
the remainder, to the amount of $5,000,000, passed into 
our school revenue. This is known as the Sinking Fund. 
The Saline Fund, arising from the sale of the lands in salt 
districts, not exceeding thirt3^-six sections, obtaining for 
educational purposes $85 ,000. Deriving also from the sale 
of swamp lands, which were not otherwise set apart by our 
Government, what is known as the Swamp Land Fund. 
In 1852 all of our county seminaries were disposed of, and 
the remainder, after deducting expenses, is known as the 
Seminary Fund. Then last we have our Contingent 
Fund, under which we have the fines of courts, forfeitures, 
escheats, &c. These immediately increased the school 
fund of the noble State of Indiana, of which Hancock is a 
part, and whose people are directly benefited thereb}'. 
These several fvmds swelled our school revenue to the 
sum of $9,000,000, whicli may be increased, but never 
diminished. 

Now, my dear readers, let us for a moment look at the 
condition of things to-day as compared with the schools of 
thirty 3'ears ago, wheij our present school system was 
established. Pass through our townships and 3'ou will see 
substantial buildings instead of mere huts. In those build- 
ingsyou will find competent and energetic men and women, 
for women are now standing side by side with men in the 
profession, and indeed surpassing him in many cases, a 
thing supposed to be impossible thirty years ago, for then 
within that structure of learning must be kept a vast amount 
of "beech tea," w^hich was issued in liberal doses to the 
applicants, the quantity being beyond the intellect or judg- 
ment of woman to determine. Now we have comfortable 
seats and desks ; not split poles. Then w^e were able to 
have a goose-quill pen ; now the skill of man presents us 
with a better and more useful instrument. Tlien our only 
apparatus was the rod ; now we have suitable maps, charts, 
globes, &c., for the explanation of things necessar}' for 
every boy and girl in our land. Now teaching is a protes- 



436 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUXTV. 

sion, and the man deser\inf^ honor receives it. Our 
teachers thirt}- years ago were few in numbers, and their 
literar}' attainments were very questionable ; now they 
are numerous, and some of them educated men. School 
buildings are now within a convenient distance of every 
child in the State ; then our children walked two or 
three miles, throus^h sleet and snow, rain and mud, to 
attend a school, where they scarcely received an}- instruc- 
tion. Then we had but a handful of children ; now we 
have a o-rand army of nearly a million young warriors, 
read}' to engage in the great battle ^^■ith ignorance and 
superstition. Now a uniform system of grading and exam- 
ination exists, and many applicants fail in passing through 
the tr^'ing ordeal ; then the answer to one or two simple 
questions was all that was required to qualif}- a man to 
give instruction. Our progress in this respect has been so 
great that it is almost beyond our power of comprehension, 
and still we are advancing, and will continue to advance 
in time to come, until the American people will lead the 
world in the number and importance of her institutions, in 
religion, moralit\' and education. 



Growth and Early Incidents. 

In going back to our earl}- history it almost seems as if 
it would be impossible to have made such progress and 
now to rank amono- the leadiuLj counties of Indiana. Go 
back to sixty 3ears ago and you will find a wilderness, a 
dense forest of undergrowth so thick that it was almost 
impossible for man to pierce, water covering a great por- 
tion of our now fertile and productive soil. See the pioneer 
wading and struggling to find his way through the depths 
of the forest, surrounded on all sides by the savage red 
men, who were ever eager to take his scalp or destroy' his 
propert}'. We who live in the midst of civilized life, sur- 
rounded b}' everything which man could desire, can it be 
possible for us to imagine their sulferings, their privations 
and trials, the Indians harassing their journey at every 



GENERAL TOPICS. . 437 

Step, some of our noble forefathers falling by the tomahawk 
of the merciless savages and enduring every privation. 
When we think of their hardships we must feel a thrill of 
admiration run thrt)ugh our veins for their heroism, a sin- 
cere regard for their patriotism and a feeling of sympathy 
lor their suffering. Those who were successful in passing 
liirough the many privations now began the construction 
of their rude cabins, not palatial residences, where wealth 
was exhibited in any of its forms, but just something to 
protect the brave pioneer from the howling winds and 
storms, the fierce animals which were prowling in the 
forest, and the treacher\' of the original inhabitant of this 
now glorious country, "the home of the brave and the 
land of the free." Examine his houseliold utensils and 
you will find nothing but a rude bed, pots, skillet and some 
minor things of less importance. What a contrast with 
the present, when we have everything that art and skill 
can invent. They were men of energy and determination, 
having very little to subsist upon but hominv and the meat 
ot wild beasts, going twent}' and thirty miles to get their 
corn or wheat ground in a rude way by machinery which 
would now be of little benefit to mankind. Tree after tree 
has been felled and log after log has been rolled, piled and 
burnt, and the farmers, by great difficulty, prepared the 
soil. At that time there were no idlers, and the daughter 
of the sturdy pioneer came forward and engaged noblv in 
the work of raising the crops for their sustenance, thinking- 
nothing of fine dress, the piano being something heard of, 
but not seen. How different from the girl of to-day. 
What does the dear old grandmother think of her grand- 
daughter as she sits in the grand parlor of her lather, and, 
with nimble fingers, passes over the keys of the piano-forte, 
sending forth sweet and melodious music that calls for 
praises from the attentive listeners? What does the old, 
gray-headed man, bending under his many years of lite 
and pri\-ations, think of the man of to-day with his many 
machines and inventions to assist him in his work? And 
stop and think for yourself, when the soil was turned, not 



43«S HISTORY OK HANCOCK COUNTV. 

by a steam or an Oliver Chilled Plow, but by a wooden 
mould-board, attached to which were horses or oxen, 
having" on harness constructed of ropes and the roots of 
trees, not having any particle of leather or iron in their 
composition. Some of these were known as the famous 
"kicking plows," which, in coming in contact with an 
obstruction, rebounded with such force that they were 
''said to kick a boy over the fence." Year after year in 
our history, the improvement in our plows having continued 
to advance, until we now have them in almost a perfect 
condition. 

Wheat in early times was cultivated with great diffi- 
cult}', and carried or hauled long distances to market, very 
often bringing to the seller tw^enty-five to forty cents per 
bushel. Then appeared no self-binders to save to the 
producer a vast amount of time and labor ; then the sickle 
was the prominent machine by which to reap the waving 
fields of grain. Afterwards the scythe and cradle came 
forward, saving to our sturdy farmers time and labor. 
Improvements in this respect, like in the plow, have con- 
tinued from time to time. Hvindreds of acres may be slain 
now while one was cut in former times. Then the flail 
was in use to thrash the grain ; then also horses were used 
to tramp it out. In 1856 the Hrst thrashing-m.achine was 
introduced into this county, not a machine to thrash tw^elve 
or fifteen hundred bushels of grain in a day, as may now 
■ be done by our magnificent thrashers, but a machine which 
was a great improvement on the older methods. 

As we now look around us and behold the giant iron 
horse running at the rate of forty to sixty miles per hour : 
when we see our beautiful fields of grain placed in a con- 
dition for thrashing in a few hours, which before would 
require as many days ; when we see that agriculture is 
now studied as a science, and the great improvement in all 
our lands ; when we see the railroads all over our countrj- 
ready to carry our productions to market ; when we observe 
along these lines of railway telegraph poles and wires 
ready to convey messages as quick as lightning to all 



GENERAI. TOPICS. 



439 



sections of the country, we can not help but acknowledge 
that our advancement since the brave old pioneers settled 
this country has been marvelous, and we can also sa}-, 
"Truly we are a happy people." 

In 1850 tiiis county was still almost a wilderness, and 
since that period our improvement has been almost as rapid 
as a current of our swiftly-flowing streams. Eminent men 
have arisen from among us who, by their own exertions, 
have gained distinction and success. Our educational 
interests have sprung up like the trees in the forest, and we 
have sent forth men to the field of action whose fame shall 
ever live and be cherished by the American people. 

"If we could but live as of old. 
For a thousand long years, 
What thinj^s might we know. 
What things might we do, 
And all without hurry and care." 

Hancock County Fair. 

The first fair in this county was held in 1856, east of 
Greenfield, on the north side of the National road, near 
the present flax tactor}-. A. T. Hart was the first presi- 
dent. This was a successful agricultural meeting, but the 
next year the place of display was changed, and the fair 
held east of Brandywine and sotitii of the railroad, on the 
land of Samuel Milroy. Here it continued to be held 
annually until the fall of i860, when the proprietors reor- 
ganized and formed a society of stockholders, dividing 
the stock into shares of $10 each, when the name of the 
organization was changed to the Agricultural Society, 
differing in name but not in character. So far the fairs 
were well attended, and held an equal rank with similar 
corporations in the surrounding counties. Thus the holders 
of stock in the new organization looked forward to bright 
prospects in the future. New officers had been elected 
and a new constitution and by-laws had been formed 
which differed materiallv from the old method. At the 



440 HISTORY OF HA^'COCK COUNTY. 

annual meeting of the Hancock Joint Stock Association, 
held in Greenfield, at the court-house, on the loth of 
November, i860, the following persons were chosen as 
officers for the ensuing year : Robert E. Barnett, Presi- 
dent ; John Hinchman, John P. Banks, Vice Presidents ; 
James L. Mason, Secretary; John II. White, Treasurer. 
On motion, Henry Newby, Samuel Heavenridge and 
Joshua Meek were appointed as the committee to examine 
and report upon suitable grounds for the association, and 
to receive proposals for the sale of the land. A unanimous 
report of tlie committee appeared December 8, 1S60, and 
on April 5, 1861, the society purchased eight acres of land 
of Samuel M. Milro}' for the sum of if 500. Here for years 
was held the fair of oiu" county ; here appeared the best 
blooded horses, the best sheep, the best cattle, hogs and 
live stock of all kinds which our section of the countr}' 
was capable of producing; here were people from all parts 
of our county to see the stock of other sections, and thereby 
improve their own. In 187 1 the floral hall was destro3'ed 
by fire, and never rebuilt. The society flourished until 
1879, when debt, jealousies and lack of enterprise caused 
its natural demise. 



Papers of Hancock County. 

It has been well said that there are three great educa- 
tional motive powers, viz : the press, pulpit and school ; 
and indeed it would be useless in this highly enlightened 
age to waste words upon the power and influence of the 
press. 

While the pulpit may furnish a higher grade of moral 
instruction, the press reaches a far greater number, and 
does more towards forming the opinions of the masses of 
mankind. 

Bacon says that " Reading makes a full man." Schuyler 
Colfax says of reading, that "It is one of the great sources 
of information." 

In about 1844 to 1846, James II. Hunt started a news- 



<;kxki<al ioi'Ics. 441 

paper in Greenfield called '^ The Reveille,'" the first paper 
published in the county. In 1847, Mitchell Vaugh estab- 
lished ''T/ie /iivestigator,'" which he edited for about six 
months, when he failed, and R. A. Riley became the edi- 
tor for another six months, after which Thomas D. Walpole 
started "^Thc Sentinel," a weekly paper, which was pub- 
lished for about four or five years, being edited for a time 
In' William Mitchell. In the year 1859, Noble Warrum, 
David S. Gooding, William R. West, and George Y. At- 
kison started ''The Ifaueock TJenioeraf," which was edited 
tor a time bv D. S. Gooding, followed by William Mitchell, 
who soon became and is still the editor and sole proprietor. 
About the year 1864, one Wright started a native Ameri- 
can paper, tiie "Kaniil\ Visitor," which, alter running for 
a time, was transferred to Mr. Hinshaw. In 1867 "The 
Greenjield CouDuereial" was started and edited for a while 
by Amos C. Beeson. afterwards by L. E. Rumrill. The 
next paper that made its appearance was "The Greeiifield 
JiezL's,"" edited by Will T. Walker, succeeded by Walter 
Ilartpence. "• The Greenfield Republican, '" b}' T. B. Deem, 
next made its appearance, but ceased after twelve issues. 
In July, 1878, R. J. Strickland started ^' The Hancock Jef- 
/erso)iian,'" a weeklv paper which is still published. He 
also continued the publication of "" The Odd Rel/ozvs" Chron- 
icle," which he had been publishing at Centerville tor a 
number of years. In August, 1880, '■'■The Greenjield Re- 
publican" was started by Robison & Cooper, and after 
running for a time was transferred to the Republican Com- 
pan}', by which it is still published. In the fall of 1879, 
Drs. Boots and Marsh commenced the publication of 
"The Independent Medical Investigatory In 1881, "The 
Home and School Visitor"' was started by Aaron Pope as 
publisher and Lee O. Harris as editor. The present pro- 
prietors are Harris and Goble. 

Recapitulation. — The first paper published in Hancock 
county was in 1844. The numbers published from time to 
time are numerous. The kinds published, medical, miscel- 
laneous, educational, lodge, literary and news. The papers 
29 



44- 



nrsroKN- oi- hancock county 



now published in Greenrield are four in number, three 
news and one educational. The proprietors are William 
Mitchell. R. J. Strickland, The Republican Company, and 
I larris and Goble. 



Tai'.i.i-. oi- I)is'|-anci:s. 



Indi 


\.NAl'OI,IS. 




























21 


Greenficlil. 










■>s 


lO 


New Fall- St inc. 










\zi 


13 


i6,'i Fortville. 










29>i 


S'i 


19 [21K 


CharlottcsviK'. 










^'- 


'S 


25-'^ 


13 


9>i 


Waninjjton. 










16 


16 


14 


S 


24 


■Sii 


McCordsvilk'. 










1^5 


8,'^ 


i8>^ 


6 


18 


7 


9 


Eden. 










^7>i 


6,'a 


i6>,' 


'9>2 


2 


8 


22 


■S 


Cleveland. 








'7 


4 


6>^ 


10 


12>i 


'9 


"'2 


I2>2 


II 


Phi 


adclphia. 








«9 

16 


■8 

10 


4 
12 


16 
i9>a 


•7 


23>i 

'3 


18 
22 1^ 

S 


7 

IS 



■3 


■s 
s 


6>4 
12 
6 


Carrollton. 


d I». 0. 

Com for 




7 
iS 


10 
12 


Westlai 




S |ii 


20 


1 61^ 


i6>i 


Mt. 


P. 0. 


31 


10 


20 12 


10 


4 


'3 


6 


8 


H 


iS 


9 


IS 


Wil 


low- 


r.ianili 1'. 0. 


^>i 


"3 1^3 9 


'3 


4 


13 


4?2 


11 


17 


2.'2 


ii>^ 


iS 


3 


Mil 


u-i"s Coiiur P. 0. 




'5 l'3 1 3 |23>4 
7 4, |'3 iS>i 
S I'S 13 1 9 


14 


2 
9 

IS 


7 

iS.'a 

7 


2'o 

I 

133= 

7^2 


II 
3 


'7 
9 
■3 


22.'2 

73^ 


632 
4 

9'2 


'3 
>7 
6 


i4!2 
20 
S 


\Voodliury. 


■4 


22 
10 


9 

IS 


Gem P. 0. 


26 


9 


12 B i n \v ooil . 


lb 


S 


■5 


9 


'3-'i 


10 


lOl, 


3 


"3i 


9 


13 


"32 


9 


6 


8 


10 


12 4 Jtinct'ti 



Kky ro AiiOVE Table. — To find the distance between any two points in the county 
or from any village or post-office therein to Indianapolis follow the columns of each to 
where they intersect, and note the numbers at said point of intersection, which is the 
required distance. To illustrate, for instance : To find the distance between Greenfield 
and Junction, follow the vertical column beginning below Greenfield to the lateral 
column beginning opposite Junction, and the distance is found to be only five miles. 
The distance from New Palestine to Westland is ascertained by the same method to be 
twelve miles ; Gem to Junction, twelve miles; Westland to Willow Branch, nine miles, 
and thus the distance from any two points is readily learned. It is proper here to remark, 
however, that the above distances are such as are necessarily traveled in taking the 
mo.st direct wogon route. For example, the distance given above from Indianapolis to 
Warrington is thirty-one and a half miles, while to travel the distance with the cardinal 
points of the compass, passing through Greenfield, would be thirty-six miles, but by 
taking the most direct wagon route, passing through Kden and McCordsville, thence 
south-west on the pike direct to Indianapolis, the distance necessarily traveled is, as 
above stated, thirty-one and a half miles. ' 



GEXKKAr. TOflCS. ^^.^ 

Post-Offices in iin-; CoLN'r\'. 

On the preceding page will be seen a full list of the 
post-offices in the county, commencing with Greenfield, the 
lirst, and closing with Binwood, the last established, being 
sex'enteen in number. Indianapolis is not in the county, 
but, being our State capital, and one of our chief business 
points, and so intimately connected with our interests and 
history, that it properly appears on the table of distances. 
Junction is only a tin}' village, and not yet a post-office. 
It is a new place, at the junction of tlie Pendleton pike and 
I., B. and W. railroad, live miles north of Greenfield.* 

We contemplated another table of post-offices alone, 
arranged alphabeticall}', with names of postmasters, sala- 
ries or pay received, when supplied with mail, whether 
dail}', weekly, semi-weekl}^ or tri-weekh', number of papers 
and periodicals passing through the office, the mone3'-order 
offices designated, and various other matters of interest, 
all the facts of which are of record in the Post-office 
Department at Washington, and the writer once had the 
pleasure of seeing the whole plan, but on writing for the 
desired information we received the following reply, which 
is self-explanatorv : 

PosT-oKFicE Department, ] 
Office of Fiusr Assistant Postmaster General, 

Washington, October lo, iS8r.) 
Sirs : In reply to your communication of the ^th October, 
requesting to be furnished with infi)rm:ition as regards post- 
olfices, postmasters, &c., in Hancock county, Indiana, you are 
informed that, in consequence of the insufficiency of the present 
clerical force in this office, it \v\\\ be impossible to complv \vitli 
\ our request. 

Alan}- of the clerks are now and have been compelled to 

work extra hours in the discharge of their regular duties, and 

the Postmaster General considers that to impose additional labor 

iipon them, under such circumstances, would be inexpedient. 

While such information as you request has been heretofore 



*A11 of the post-offices and villages are definitely located and dc?cril)eti in their 
proper places, as shown by the index and table of ci>ntents. 



444 



IIISTOKV OK HANCOCK COINTV 



i^iven wlicn practicaUlc, the Dcp.irtmjiit is now uiulcr the 
nccessitv oi declining all such applications. 

Very respectfully, Jamks A. Man, 

Acting; First Ass't P. M. (iencral. 

To KiN(; t'v: Hixi-okd, (jrceiiHeld. Hancock Co., Iiid. 

To Grantkp:s and Moktgacjees of Real Es-iati-:. 

Many persons who hnve not given the subject special 
attention suppose that in buying real estate or accepting a 
loan on the same that all the precaution necessary is to see 
that there is a perfect chain of title, and that there are no 
mortgages, judgments nor delinquent taxes, but such is 
not the case. These are a frza of the important things to 
be looked after, but not all b\' any means. It would be 
wise and only an indication of business tact on the part of 
those interested not to pin"chase or make a loan upon real 
estate until they are certain that tlie records show the title 
to be w'ithout a flaw, and free from liens of any kind or 
character wdiatever : and it is not always safe in so impor- 
tant matters in dealing WMth all classes of mankind to trust 
to "friendship," "honor," or anvtliing outside the odicial 
records. To avoid an}- risks in the matter, have the title 
tested and the liens examined bv a competent attornev. or 
better require an abstract by experienced, responsible par- 
ties ; and do not for a moment suppose that simply an 
abstract gives y^ou a good title, as some have erroneoush- 
thought, but, on the contrary, a good and complete abstract 
shows the kind of title, whether good or bad, and the liens, 
if any, on the realty. Then, to be more specilic, we would 
caution parties as a general rule before buying or loaning 
not to fail to see : 

1. That the grantor or mortgageor has an unbroken 
chain of title from the United States down. 

2. That there are no unsatistied mortgages of an^• 
kind or amoimt that would be a lien on the same. 

3. That there are no mechanics or vendor's liens. 

4. Nor liens from judgments, decrees or transcripts of 
record in the county clerk's oflice. 



GENERAL TOPICS. 445 

5. That there are no judgments nor decrees from the 
District or Circuit Court of the United States in and tor the 
district wherein the land is situate. 

6. See that there are no Hens ironi tax sales, ditch, 
gravel road or street assessments, nor from delinquent 
taxes. 

7. That there are no lite estates nor dower interests 
outstanding. 

8. If the property has ever been sold at sheriff's, 
executor's, administrator's, commissioner's or guardian's 
sale, see that the proceedings were regular, for there is no 
warranty in any of these sales, and such conxeyances are 
only equivalent to quit claims. 

9. If ever devised b}' will, see that the same was duly 
probated. 

10. Provide against anv unrecorded deeds, mortgages 
or leases for or upon the lands. 

11. See that the owner is neither principal nor surety 
upon any recognizance or official bond, which, by the law 
of Indiana and consequently of Hancock county, is a lien 
upon the premises. Our statutes provide that every recog- 
nizance shall bind the real estate of the principal from the 
time it is taken, but shall only bind the real estate of the 
surety from the time judgment of forfeiture is rendered. 

12. Sec that the deed, which mav be regular and 
absolute upon its face, is not counteracted and changed in 
nature by outstanding cotemporaneous defeasances. 

13. Ascertain whether the deed is for a legal consid- 
eration or simph' as a security for a debt. If for the latter, 
it is in effect and reality only a mortgage, and may be 
foreclosed as such. Our courts hold that where a deed of 
conveyance of real estate, though absolute on its face, is 
executed and intended simph- as security for the payment 
of a debt owini; from the <xrantor to the <>"rantee, it amounts 
to a mortgage only, and confers no title upon a person who, 
having notice of such fact, obtains a con\e\ance of such 
real estate from such ifrantee. 



446 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

14. See that there are no other liens or defects (of 
which there may be several) of any kind or character 
whatever, 

15. Lastly, know that the instrument of conveyance 
or security contains a definite and correct description of 
the lands, and is properly executed, signed, sealed, 
acknowledged and timely recorded. 

I^c))iarks. — It will be seen from the above that instead 
of there being but three or four points for grantees and 
mortgagees to look after, there are nearly forty, all essen- 
tial and of vital importance. 

By the statutes of 1852, dower is abolished, except such 
rights as had already vested, but the section of the statutes 
of 1843, providing for the assignment of dower, was con- 
tinued in force in the statutes of 1852, and is still in force. 

Our Supreme Court has held that "a surety upon an 
official bond, as well as the principal, is a debtor, within 
the meaning of the statute," which provides that "judg- 
ments on official bonds, payable to the State of Indiana, 
shall bind the real estate of the debtor from the commence- 
ment of the action." 

Under the Statutes of Indiana now in force, every con- 
veyance, mort^^ajje and lease for more than three years 
must be recorded in forty-five days from the execution 
thereof in order to be good as against any subsequent 
purcliaser, lessee or mortgagee, '* in good faith and for a 
valuable consideration."* 

Many persons very erroneously suppose that the '* war- 
rant "in deeds and mortgages to be ample security for any 
(nerlooked liens that in the future may be discovered, but 
the warranty, like any other security, is available and 
valuable after the purchase money is paid, only in case of 
responsible parties. Again, the grantor may be good and 



*The main facts in the above anicle I have heretofore furnislieci some of the pa;)ers 
<)ver my full name, but, considering tlie subject of sucli vital importance to the common 
reader, I have revised and rewritten the entire article, and trust it will not be considered 
out of place in a county history as the law of Indiana, and <-onscquentl y of Hancock 
county. J. II. HIM Oin). 



GENERAL TOPICS. 



447 



perfectly responsible at the tinr' of the conveyance, but 
perhaps in a few years, when some defect is observed or 
lien is to be enforced, he is dead, moved away or insolvent, 
hence it is not always advisable to rely on the warranty, 
however good at the time. 

County Bible Society. 

An auxiliary of the American Bible Society was organ- 
ized in this county in the year 1837 ^y Rev. Richmond, 
the prime mover in the charitable enterprise, and the first 
president thereof. Among those who have since filled that 
office we may note Joseph Mathews, John Rarden, II. B. 
Wilson, D. S. Gooding, George Barnett, F. M. Gilchrist 
and G. W. Dove, the latter of whom is the present chief 
officer. The object of this organization is to promote the 
circulation of the Holy Scriptures, without note or com- 
ment, among all classes, and especially the poor and 
neglected. The recipients are expected to pay a part of 
the price of the sacred volume, where they are able and 
can be induced to do so, in order that they may be more 
highly appreciated, and secondly, that the finances of the 
society may be the most advantageously and economically 
used, yet none are to be denied on account of their poverty. 
There being no mone}' consideration for the keeping of 
the records of the society, we are unable to find any relia- 
ble account of its sales, donations and doings, but for these 
facts have to rely on the memory of the older citizens. 

Christian Church, Greenfield. 

About the year 1850 several families moved from Ken- 
tucky, chief among which were the Sebastians, Branhams, 
Offults and Rainses. Most of these were members of the 
Cliristian Church, or had been indoctrinated before leaving 
Kentucky. As early as 1840, ministers of the Christian 
Church occasionally visited this place, and held meetings 
in private houses, county seminary and the old M. E. 
Church, and sometimes at the court-l^.ouse. wSoon the 



448 



HISTORY OK HANCOCK COINIV 



court-house was sold and torn down, and the members 
accepted an invitation from the Methodists to again occupy 
their house. After the new court-house was erected, the 
society occupied it for a time. In the spring of 1854, 
April 4th, an organization was affected in the M. E. 
Church, at which time thirteen names were enrolled as 
original members, viz : William and Elizabeth Sebastian, 




JONATHAN SMITH. 



Joseph Clayton, Humphrev and Eliza Offutt, Benjamin 
and Hannah Porter, Elizabeth Phillips, Stephen Dicker- 
son, Amanda Branham, Lewis Sebastian and Mrs. Amos. 
After the or<;anization, the meetino- \vas continued for 
several days, increasing the membership to about fort}', 
when the necessity of a house of worship was felt by all. 



(;KNj-;i<Ar, loi'ics. 449 

A. K. Branhani, ihouijh not a member al thai time, soon 
secured a six-hundred-doHar subscription, donated himself 
thirty-five feet of the lot on which the church now stands, 
and induced Col. Tague to donate ten more. He and 
Lewis Sebastian then boujjht the old court-house for two 
hundred and fift}' dollars, and when it was torn down he 
ordered the masons to begin work, agreeing to pay them 
three dollars and a half per thousand to put the brick in 
the walK When the work was begun there was yet not a 
dollar collected, but he succeeded in paying the workmen 
ever}' Saturday night, not knowing on Monday morning 
where the money was to come from for that week. With 
the "same persistent effort wdth which he started out he 
continued, until it was under roof, expending about six 
hundred dollars more. In about two years the building 
was completed, except the wash-boards, with a cost of two 
thousand dollars. The church was organized in the spring 
of 1854 ^y ^^'' Thornbury. Among those who pointed out 
the way of life and salvation to the little flock are Elders 
Thornbury, Littleton, Raines, New, Edmonson, Hobbs, J. 
C. McCollough, George Campbell, Thomas Lockhart, 
James Sloan, Dr. Thomas and William Anderson. The 
pastoral work of the chmxh has been mainly done by four 
men, Raines, Hobbs, Sloan and Thomas. The numbers 
added by these men were respectively one hundred, one 
hundred and nine, seventy-five and fift\-seven. About 
ifli 1,000 have been paid out for preaching and $6,000 for 
other expenses. Resident membership, one hundred and 
seventy-five; non-resident members, fitt\'. William J. 
Sparks is superintendent of the interesting Sunday-school 
in connection therewith. 



CHAPTER XXIX. 

i'ersoxal sketches am) brief biock a imiies, 

Judge Da\'id S. Gooding, 

son of Asa and Matilda Gooding, and grandson of Col. 
David Gooding, a captain in the war of 1812, was born in 
Fleming county, Kentucky, January 20, 1824. In the fall 
of 1826 or 1827 he came with his parents to Indiana, and 
settled in the green woods of Rush county. In 1836 they 
moved to Hancock county and settled in Greenfield. 

Mr. Gooding's early education was received in Rush 
and Hancock counties, after which he entered Asbury 
University at Greencastle, where he continued his studies 
for about two years, but his finances beinrj very limited, 
health poor, and finally the death of his father, compelled 
him to leave college before graduation. At the age of 
fifteen he united with the M. E. Church, and was after- 
wards licensed an exhorter, w^hich license was renewed for 
five consecutive years. He was several years superin- 
tendent of the M. E. Sunday-school, and also lor five 
years president of the County Bible Society. 

In 1847 he represented the county in the lower house 
of the Legislature, being elected by a majority of forty- 
two votes over Dr. J. W. Ilervey, now of Indianapolis. 
In 1848 he was elected County Prosecuting Attorney. In 

1 85 1 he was Circuit Court Prosecuting Attorney in the 
Indianapolis Judicial Circuit, composed of Marion, Boone, 
Hendricks, Johnson, Shelb}- and Hancock counties. In 

1852 he was elected Common Pleas Judge, and in 1856 
State Senator. In 1861 he was again elected Common 
Pleas Judge. 

In the year 1863 he N'oJunteL'red in tlie jtiirsuil ol" the 



I'KRSONAL SKprrCHES AND BRIEF BI0(;RAPHIKS. 45 I 

rebel forces under Gen. John Morgan in their raid through 
Indiana, and was severely wounded, while marching in 
line of duty, near Lawrenceburg, which ended his career 

as a Union soldier. 

In 1864 he resigned his office as Judge of the Common 
Pleas Court and accepted the position assigned him by the 
Union State Convention at the head of the Lincoln and 
Johnson Presidential Electoral ticket as Elector at Large. 
He thoroughly canvassed the State, was elected, and cast 
his electorial vote for Lincoln and Johnson. 

In 1864 President Lincoln nominated Judge Gooding 
to the Senate of the United States for a United States 
Judgeship in New Mexico, which (at the request of said 
Gooding) the President withdrew, but not until after the 
proper committee had directed a report recommending his 
confirmation. 

In June, 1865, President Johnson, without recommenda- 
tion or solicitation and on his own option, telegraphed Mr. 
Gooding asking his acceptance of the United States Mar- 
shalship for the District of Columbia, which position he 
accepetd, and entered at once upon his duties. He soon 
become the only executive officer of the Supreme Court of 
the District of Columbia; also of the Supreme Court of 
the United States. 

In Januarv, 1866, Mr. Gooding was unanimously con- 
firmed by the United States Senate as such Marshal. He 
held the full confidence of President Johnson to the end of 
his term, and immediately after the inauguration of Presi- 
dent Grant he personally tendered his resignation, which 
was accepted, though not to take effect until a successor 
was duly appointed and qualified. He soon after returned 
to his old home, and resumed the practice of law in Green- 
field in 1869. 

Referring to his earl\- history, he was licensed to prac- 
tice law in the year 1845. In 1867 he was admitted to the 
bar of the Supreme Court of the United States on the 
motion of Hon. Ilenrv Stansburry, Attorney General of 
the I'nited States. He was reared a Whig, and was a 



452 IIISTOKV OF HANCOCK Ct)LNTV. 

great admirer of Henry Cla\', adherin<^- to the principles 
of the Whiles until 1850, when he withdrew from his old 
party and united with the Democracy. Differing from the 
leaders of his party, he opposed the repeal of the Missouri 
Compromise, and in i860 was for Douglas and Popular 
Sovereignty. When the Great Rebellion threatened this 
cormtry with destruction Mr. Gooding came forward for 
the defense of the Union. His war speeches aroused 
enthusiasm among the people, and in co-operation with 
Wright, Douglas, Johnson and man}' other war Democrats 
he continued to stir the people to action. 

Since 1866 he has been in lull sympathy with the princi- 
ples of his party, and has had great influence in conducting 
its campaigns. He is strongly opposed to the national 
banking system, and is in accord with the rights and 
interests of the people. His extensive work for the people 
and in politics has made him one of the leading political 
men of Indiana. He prides himself on the canvass of 
1880 for General Hancock, and seems inclined to close his 
political life with that campaign. 

Mr. Gooding's success as an editor was marked, ha\ing 
the management of The IFiUicock Democrat for several 
years. 

Judge Gooding is the first Democrat of this county ever 
elected State Senator, Count}' Prosecuting Attorney, Cir- 
cuit Court Prosecuting Attorney, Common Pleas Judge, 
and the only citizen of the county ever a Presidential 
Elector for the State at laro'e or a United States Marshal 
tor the District of Columbia. 



Jamks Sam I'M-: 

was born in Greenbrier count}', in what is now know n as 
West Virginia, on the 17th da}' of April, 1794. In 1815 
he was married to Miss Mary Barrett, a sister of the Revs. 
Joseph and Samuel Barrett. In 1827 he came on horse- 
back to the wilds of Indiana prospecting for a nu>re 
suital-)le jilace of abode. Bhie-River townshi]-) attracted 



I'KKSON \I, SKinXHKS AM) I'.KIKF JJKX; KAPHIKS. 453 

his attention, and in 1828 he and family came oxer the 
seklo:ii-tra\eled route and settled in the green woods of 
this county. Soon a rude cabin, without chimney or Hoor, 
was erected to shelter them iVom the inclemenc\' of the 
weather. Their furniture was of the rudest kind, and their 
prospects not very bright, still they bore their trials bravely, 
hoping for better times in the future. The sound of the 
loom and ax could be heard earl}- and late tbr ^•ears. 
Churches had not yet been erected, but the rude cabins 
furnished a place to worship God and sing His praises. 
James Sample was always an energetic worker at these 
meetings. 

Mr. S."s mother came to this countw and li\-ed to the 
remarkable age of one hundred and two, being the oldest 
person buried in the old Gilboa Cemetery. " Grandmother 
Sample," as she was usuall}' called, could read tine print 
without glasses for sometime before she died, and the most 
remarkable circumstance occurred just three or four months 
i-)efore her death. As perfect a set of teeth as ever filled 
the mouth of any person came through her gums. Strange 
but true this rare circumstance. 



Roi;I':k'I" J^)INFoki), 

an e.\tensi\e farmer and stock-raiser, now of Rush count\-, 
but for more than tifty years a citizen of Blue-River town- 
ship, and consequently one of the iirst settlers thereof, is a 
native of North Carolina, Northampton county, born July 
2, 1813. In 1826, at the age of thirteen, he came with his 
parents and other Binford families to the new free State of 
Indiana, and settled in the green woods of what is now 
]31ue-River township, but then Madison count}', in the 
" New Purchase." 

The Binfords had once been well otY, and owned large 
jilantations and numerous slaves, but becoming convinced 
that the trafficing in human souls was a sin airainst Heaven, 
and that slaverv and the bondao-e of either blacks or whites 



454 IIISTOK.V OF HANCOCK COLNTV. 

was contrar}- to the principles of our tVee institutions, 
which in sjiirit dechire that all men are born free and equal, 
with certain inalienable rii;iits. amon^^ whicli arc life, 
liberty and the pursuit of hapjiiness, they \oluntarilv freed 
them, one and all, and endeaxored to reinstate them in 
their primiti\-e moral rights b}- dividing witli them what 
propertN' the}' had helped to accumulate. Selling their 
lands at a sacrltice, they determined to seek a home in a 
free State, free from the blighting influences of human 
slaver}', and hence sought an as\lum in Hancock count\'. 
where they could begin lite's battles anew. 

March 30, 1837, the subject of this sketch was married 
to Martha, daughter of John Hill, one of the {•)rominent 
pioneers of Rush county. A little cabin was soon erected 
in the green woods, and the two, made one, set about in 
earnest to make an honest living by the sweat of the brow. 
Although Mr. B. had plenty of land for a biginner, ha\'ing 
received one hundred and sixty acres bv his wife and a 
similar amount from his parents, yet there was not an acre 
cleared, and he v;as really poor, too poor to buv a second 
horse, hence had to tend the iirst crop with a single team. 
His first crop consisted of two and a half acres of corn, 
which was worth twelve and a half cents a bushel, but he 
had none to sell. His first wheat crop was on the same 
two and a half acres, but it was "sick wheat," so called 
bv the early settlers, because it made them sick to eat it in 
any manner whatever, even in limited quantities, hence it 
was worthless, and he received nothing lor it. His first 
hogs were sold at a dollar per hundred, which brought him 
eighty-seven dollars, the most money he had ever had. 
Farm hands were worth seven to eight dollars per month ; 
calico, forty cents per yard ; coffee and tea too expensive 
to buy, hence used rye and other substitutes. 

By great industry and rigid economy Mr. B. has suc- 
ceeded in accumulating considerable propert\'. He has 
given most of his children, nine in number, a college 
education and eighty acres of land each, and has done 
much for educational and charitable institutions, and 



^.:^6 lUsroK^' Ol" II \N\()lK Cl)\. svy. 

always contributed lilH-rally of his means for the support 
of the church. 

In poHtics Mr. 15. is a Republican : in church relations 
an orthodox Friend or C^iaker. Naturally timid, modest 
and unassuming, he avoids publicity, never aspiring to 
office, preferring the quiet walks of life. Though one of 
the early settlers of the county, of unblemished character, 
one of the heavy tax-payers, a charitable, Christian gen- 
tleman, and a good citizen, nevertheless he would never 
have consented to the notice herein, and this entire sketch 
and the accompanying portrait are wholl}- without his 
knowledge or consent. 

Jacoi! Slii"i:k 

was born in Klos, (jermany, on the 13th day of October, 
181 1. His father and family embarked on a ship for 
America in 181 7. After sailing one week, a severe st<M-m 
came up and drove the vessel, a total wreck, into the Eng- 
lish Channel. The captain of the unfortunate ship was 
ruined, and the father of Mr. Slifer lost the amount which 
lie had paid for their passage, and being in limited cir- 
cumstances, his two oldest children were sold to pay their 
tare. After seventeen weeks at sea they landed in Amer- 
ica, where voung Slifer attended school tor a short time, 
was then bound to a farmer until eighteen years of age, 
after which he worked at the shoe-maker's trade for three 
vears, clerked in a store in Philadelphia tor twelve months, 
and came to Hancock count}- in 1834 ; was married to Miss 
Jane Lewis and settled in the wilds of this county in ver}' 
limited circumstances, where he endured the privations of 
pioneer life. He has served two terms as County Com- 
missioner, and is now bountiful!}' supplied with this \^•()rld's 
goods. 

John H. White 

was born in Preble county, Ohio, December 3, 1824. His 
father w^as a soldier in the war of 181 2. His earlv educa- 



PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 457 

lion was received in the common schools of his native 
count}', during the winter terms, when he could not be 
profitably employed on the farm. He came to Shelby 
count}^ Indiana, in 1843 ; served an apprenticeship as tan- 
ner and currier in Franklin county. At the close of his 
apprenticeship, he began teaching school in connection 
with farming, which he has followed ever since. In 1853 
he moved to Center township, Hancock county, where he 
now resides. In i860 he was elected Township Trustee. 
In 1864 ^^^ represented the county in the lower house of 
the Legislature. In 1866 he was re-elected. He has been 
President of the Hancock Agricultural Society. He was 
formerU' a Whig, but has been a Democrat since 1854. ^^ 
1862 he became a member of the Christian Church. He 
was married December 23, 1845, to Miss Sarah Potts, of 
Franklin count}-. He is the father of nine children, all of 
whom are useful members of society. 

James L. Mason 

dates his nativity April 3, 1834, Union county, Indiana, 
where he received a primary education in the common 
schools. At the age of fourteen he entered Farmer's Col- 
lege, near Cincinnati. Here he pursued his studies for a 
time, but finally went to Bloomington, Indiana, and became 
a student in the State University. Returning to Browns- 
ville, his native town, he taught school for two terms, and 
acted in the capacity of county surveyor at the same time. 
He studied law with Hon. John S. Reid, of Connersville, 
Indiana, for a short period, and then returned to Bloom- 
ington, and studied for one term in the law department. 
He subsequently taught school in Wayne county and 
Greenfield, after which he read law with the Hon. Thomas 
D. Walpole, of this place, and soon entered upon the 
active practice of his chosen profession. 

In 1862 he was elected Joint Representative for Han- 
cock and Shelby counties to the State Legislature. In 
1864 he was elected State Senator. In 1862 he was mar- 
30 



458 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

ried to Miss Emma R. ^lilHkan, who lived but six weeks 
thereafter. In 1867 he was married to Miss Rebecca 
Julian,* daughter of Judge Jacob B» Julian, of Indian- 
apolis, who died October 22, 1877. 

Mr. Mason joined the Masonic fraternit}' in 1853. He 
is a steadfast Democrat, the owner of two thousand acres 
of land, and one of the wealthiest men in the county. 

Hamilton J. Dun bar. 

a native of Hancock county, was born September 13, 1846. 
His parents were Jonathan and Mary Dunbar, who were 
respectively of Scotch and Irish descent. The early life 
of young Dunbar w^as characterized by love of amusement 
and fondness for athletic sports. He availed himself of the 
educational advantages, of the Greenfield schools in his 
youth ; but his ambition reaching beyond these, he entered 
Asbury University at Greencastle, where he graduated 
with high and special honors in the class of 1866, and im- 
mediately thereafter began the practice and study of law 
in this city. March 31, 1868, he w^as married to Miss 
Florence M. Jones, of Greencastle. Mr. D. died Sep- 
tember 5, 1876, leaving to mourn him a \\idow and one 
child, in whose hearts he is enshrined, not only as a prom- 
inent lawyer and polished debater, but as an affectionate 
husband and kind father. 

His wife, a niece of the Hon. D. W. Voorhees, has 
since returned to her native town, where she now resides. 

As an evidence of the hijjh esteem in which Mr, D. 
was held b}- the legal fraternity of the State, we quote 
briefly from the resolutions of the Marion county bar on 
his demise. 

''It is seldom that one so young. as he had won so extended a 
practice at the bar, and yet more seldom that one so young had 
won so deep a hold upon the hearts of those about him, and 



*Miss Julian was a relative of tlie Hon. George W. Julian, who was once a citizen 
and practicing attorney of Grcentielcl. 



TERSONAL SKETCHES AM) BRIEF lilOGR Al'IIIES. 



459 



wic'Iclcd such an inlluencc in the coniniunil\' in which lie lived. 
As a bar, we will remember his talents and success with pride, 
and seek to emulate his nianv virtues. In his earlv death \ve 
sec but another illustration of the sad results of over labor, of 
the straini'nq' be\"ond their utmost tension the nerves of the 
practicing- lawyer." 

Charles E. Barrett, 

a practicing attorney of Siillixan, Indiana, but formerly of 
this county, was born in Indianapolis, November 28, 1858. 




CHAULES E. BARRETT. 



His opportunities for a literary education were limited,, but 
making the most of them, and being apt and of a practical 
business turn of mind, he lias, ^while emplo3-ed in the vari- 
ous departments of mercantile life, acquired a good, prac- 
tical business education. Mr. B. began the study of law 



460 HISTORY OF HANX'OCK COUNTY. 

at odd times, and looked forward to it as a profession as 
early as at the age of sixteen, and on quitting the store he 
entered the law office of Messrs. New & Poulson, and 
took a course of reading, after which he bought out Mr. 
Poulson and formed a partnership with Mr. James A. New, 
one of the leading attorneys of the city. Here he enjo3'ed 
a lucrative practice for three years. During all this time 
he was also a hard student. This we say from personal 
knowledge as to two years of the time, being a student in 
the office. Mr. B. was admitted to the bar of the Han- 
cock Circuit Court December 31, 1879, being the first op- 
portunity after having arrived at his majority and becoming 
admissible. 

In the fall of 188 1 the firm of New & Barrett was by 
mutual consent dissolved, and Mr. B. removed to Sullivan,, 
supplied himself with an excellent library, and put out his 
shingle. He shortly, however, formed a co-partnership 
with Senator Briggs, and is now consequently the junior 
member of the law firm of Briggs & Barrett. The cut 
accompanying this will be recognized and acknowledged 
by those acquainted with him as a good portrait. 

Mr. B. is a Democrat in politics, and, though a member 
of no church, leans toward the Methodists. 

Matilda Gooding, 

a daughter of Lemuel Hunt and wife of Asa Gooding, was 
born in Nicholas county, in the State of Kentucky, and 
was married to Asa Gooding on the 31st da}' of August, 
1822. They removed to Rush county, in the State of 
Indiana, in the fall of 1826, where they settled in the green 
woods, after building a log cabin in which to reside, Asa 
Gooding having entered forty acres of land at the price of 
$1 25 per acre. They were both industrious and happy. 
In 1836 they removed to Greenfield, Hancock county, and 
for a time kept hotel. Asa Gooding died in 1842, leaving 
surviving him Matilda Gooding, his widow, who, though 
absent for a few years at Greencastle, Indiana, for the 



PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 46 I 

purpose of educating some of her children, still resides in 
the same dwelling-house, long known as the Gooding 
Corner. She is the mother of sev^en surviving children, 
five sons and two daughters, to-wit : David S., Lemuel 
W., Oliver P., Henr}- C, and William IT. and Elvira 
M. Gooding and Cindrella J. Howard, wife of Dr. Noble 
P. Howard, Sen. For one of her age she is in fair 
health, reasonably comfortable and happy, with a con- 
sciousness of having been a good wife and mother and 
useful in her day and generation, respected by all who 
know her and loved and honored by her relatives and 
friends. She is patiently and contentedly awaiting the 
Master's call. 



Ernst H. Faut 

Avas born October 30, 1835, ^" the county of Buckeburg 
and Duchy of Schaumburg-Lippe, Germany. His father 
was a Prussian subject, and named after Frederick Wil- 
helm the Third. Being a blacksmith by trade, all the boys 
had to work in the shop as soon as they could take hold of 
the bellows-pole, as it is well known in Germany that all 
the children have to attend school from the age of seven 
to fourteen. 

In the year 1848 the revolution broke out in that coun- 
try, and the people clamored for liberty, and thought 
everything oppressive, even the compulsory school system. 
His father had the idea that his son Ernst would be of more 
benefit to him in the blacksmith shop than in the school- 
room. An application was gotten up to the highest school 
authority for his release, which had to be approved by the 
subordinates before it was presented to the supreme author- 
ity. This approval read as follows : " His knowledge will 
do, and his father needs him badly." This application 
was presented, and in a few days after granted. The cause 
of this was that the official authorities of the Government 
were scared about the revolution in the country at this time, 
and they were willing to grant almost anvthing at that 



462 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY, 

critical moment, but Ernst was cheated out of his proper 
schooling. From that time he had to work in the black- 
smith shop with his lather. Several of the neighbors who 
had emigrated to this country- wrote letters home to their 
friends, relating the great advantages of this countr}- over 
their native home for poor and laboring people. This 
impressed him favorabh", and he solicited his father to give 
him the privilege and means to come to America, but his 
father hesitated on account of his age. Finally, after a 
few years of continued solicitation, he consented, and on 
April 29, 1854, '^^ ^^^^ ''^S^ of eighteen 3'ears, he left the 
parental roof, and embarked at Bremen on a sailing vessel, 
as ocean steamers were rare at that time. After a voyage 
of sixty-six da3's he arrived in New York city on August 
4th. Having an imcle living in New Palestine whom he 
had never seen, his attention was directed that way, and 
he concluded to pay him a visit. Here he arrived August 
14th, and got emploj^ment at his trade, and he remained 
there until April-, 1856, when he went to Indianapolis^ and, 
finding no work at his trade, he took a job as a hod-carrier. 
Soon after this he succeeded in finding emplovment at liis 
regular business. 

In the fall of 1857 he made a set of horse-shoes for the 
State Fair, on which he took the first premium. In Novem- 
ber he returned to New Palestine, and formed a partnership 
with his cousin, Ernst W. Faut. They carried on the 
blacksmithing business for several years. 

In the spring of i860 lie was married to Miss Mar}' E. 
Eickman, the fruits of which union are eiglit sprightly 
children, two boys and six girls, who are all living. 

In the fall of i85o the partnership with his cousin was 
dissolved, and he continued the business at the old stand. 

In the winter of 1861 and 1862, Mr. LN'sander Sparks, 
then Auditor of this county, appointed him Assessor for 
Sugar-Creek township. In the fall of 1862 he was elected 
to the same position for two years. In thj spring of 1866 
he was electe.l Township Trustee, and was subsequently 
re-elected for «ix consecutive terms, as the elections were 



PERSONAL SKKTCIIKS AND JiRIEF IJIOGRAI'IIIKS. 463 

then held annually. In the full of 1872 he was elected 
Treasurer of Hancock county, which position he held for 
two consecutive terms. 

After the expiration of his term as Treasurer he formed 
a partnership with his brother Chai^les in the manufacture 
of carriages, buggies, wagons, &c. Their establishment 
is doing an extensive, thriving business, and gives employ- 
ment to a large number of hands. Mr. F. is one of the 
most enterprising citizens of the country, sociable, hospita- 
ble and iienerous. 



General Oliver Paul Gooding. 

Oliver Paul Gooding was born the 29th day of Januar}^ 
1835, ^^ ^^^^ village of Moscow, Rush county, Indiana. 
In 1837 ^^^ moved with his parents to Greenfield, Hancock 
county, Indiana. At the age of eighteen, he entered the 
United States Military Academy at West Point, New 
York, where he graduated in 1858. He was attached to 
the Fourth United States Infantry as Brevet Second Lieu- 
tenant, serving as such at Fort Columbvis, New York 
Harbor. The 5th day of February, 1859, ^^'^ ^^''^-'^ pi"o- 
moted to a Second Lieutenancy in the Tenth United States 
Infantry, and joined that regiment at Fort Bridges, Utah 
Territory, in August of that 3'ear, and served on the expe- 
dition ;igainst the Mormons in 1859 and i860. In 1861 he 
was ordered to the defense of Washington, D. C, and 
served in the war for the suppression of the great rebellion 
from 1 86 1 till 1865. 

During the war he held several important commands, 
among which was the Thirt3'-first Massachusetts Volun- 
teers (converted into the Sixth Massachusetts Cavalry), 
which regiment he led as the advanced guard of the Union 
army at the capture of New Orleans, the first day of May, 
1862. On the Teche campaign and the Port Hudson 
campaign, in 1863, '^c commanded the third brigade of 
the third division, nineteenth army corps. In the battle of 
Fort Bisland, or battle of the Teche, as it is sometimes 



464 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

called, he commanded the Union forces on the north bank 
of Ba3^ou Teche, and captured an outwork of the enemy 
and some prisoners. The loss of life in his command was 
heavier and its success greater than that of all the rest of 
the army, the brunt of the battle falling on his command. 
The battle was stopped by darkness, and the enemy aban- 
doned his works and retreated during the night, and was 
pursued in the morning. At Port Hudson, General Good- 
ing gallantly led his brigade in the terrible and bloody 
assaults made on the enemy's works on the 27th day of 
May, 1863, and the 14th day of June, 1863. His brigade 
suffered heavily. On the Red River campaign, in 1864, 
he commanded the Fifth Brigade, Cavalry Division, De- 
partment of the Gulf, and at the end of that campaign 
was assigned to the command of the division. In com- 
mand of the Union troops at Campti, on the north bank of 
Red River, the 4th da3^ of April, 1864, General Gooding, 
in a hotly contested cavalry action, defeated the enemy 
under General Siddell. At the battle of Pleasant Hill, 
Louisiana, in command of his brigade, the 9th day of 
April, 1864, General Gooding gallantly fought and held 
the enemy in check till the Union army came into position, 
his hat being shot off his head, the bullet grazing his scalp. 
At the battle of Kane River Crossing he commanded 
the advanced cavalry, and was highly complimented on 
the field by Major-General William H. Emory, command- 
ing Nineteenth Army Corps, for the able manner in which 
he handled his command and developed the enemy's posi- 
tion. On the retreat of the Union army, he was con- 
stantly under fire with his brigade, covering either the 
flank or rear of the army. While serving in the volunteer 
service, his promotion in the regular army went on to the 
rank of Captain, the 27th day of June, 1862, which regu- 
lar rank he resigned on entering civil life in 1865. Enter- 
ing the war as a Second Lieutenant of Regulars, by his 
own merits he rose to the rank of Maior-General by brevet 
of United States Volunteers, which last rank was conferred 
on him the 13th day of March, 1865, for, as his commission 



PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 465 

recites: ^^GaUant conduct in the assaults on the enemy's 
works at Port Hudson^ Louisiana ^ in 186 j, and gallant 
and distinguished conduct throughout the Red River cam- 
paign ^ in 186^.''^ 

In the fall of 1865, he located in Washington, D. C, 
and resumed the study of the law, which he had com- 
menced in the regular army before the war. He was 
admitted to the bar of the District of Columbia, the 4th 
day of Januar}', 1866, and practiced law there till 1869, 
having in the meantime taken a trip to California, when 
he returned to his old home at Greenfield, Indiana, where 
he lived in retirement till February, 1874, when he located 
in St. Louis, Missouri, in the practice of the law. In 1881 
he was appointed General Attorney of the Insurance De- 
partment of Missouri. General Gooding is the author of 
the new national anthem, America^ the chorus of which is : 
"Wave on, wave on! The old flag forever!" 

Autobiography of John H. Binford. 

According to the records in the old family Bible, I am 
the fourth son, second living, of Robert and Martha Bin- 
ford, now of Rush county, but formerly of Blue-River 
township, this county, where I was born, April 13, 1844, 
and am consequently in my thirty-eighth year. 

The first impressions made on my mind of which I 
have any recollection were of a serious nature, occasioned 
by the death of m}' grandfather, John Hill, in 1847, while 
I was yet not three years old. I remember the circum- 
stance distinctly, the scene at the funeral and how sad my 
parents were. 

At five my mother began to teach me to spell, read and 
write. The first writing consisted in making "straight 
marks," followed by patient practicing on the " pot-hooks." 
At six I entered school, and continued therein for about six- 
months in the year till I was large enough to plow and do 
light work on the farm, after which I had school privileges 
for a short term in the winter only imtil the fall of 1862, 



^66 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

when I entered Earlham College at Richmond, Indiana, 
for a five-months term. 

The following winter of 1863 and 1864 I taught my first 
school at Hopewell, Blue-River towship, a four months' 
term of eight3-seven days, for $100, or $25 a month, and 
boarded myself. The school was large and the classes 
advanced ; history, physiology, philosoph}-, algebra, rhet- 
oric and a few other extra branches being studied, hence 
m}^ time was fully 3^et pleasantl}^ employed. I have taught 
about forty terms since then in graded and ungraded 




schools, in normals and colleges, in this and other States ; 
but never did I teach another term around the memory of 
which there clusters dearer and more vivid recollections. 
Among my students that winter were boys and girls that 
have since become useful men and women, and are now 
filling positions of trust and profit with credit to themselves 
and honor to their instructor. 

After teaching a few terms in the district schools and 
attending school in the meantime at home, at Walnut Ridge 
and Spiceland, T finally entered the National Normal 
wSclu)(?l in Ohio for two years, but, owing to declining 
health, quit school, went Soutli, and was for two years 
principal of the Third-Ward graded, schools of Little 



PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 467 

Rock, Arkansas. While here, during the first year, I had 
the honor of aiding in organizing the first County and 
State Teachers' Association of the State, acted as secre- 
tarjr of the same, and was sent as a delegate to the 
National Teachers' Association at Trenton, New Jerse}'^, 
and also the State Teachers' Association at Ithica, New 
York, both of which I had the pleasure of attending. In 
going and returning I visited Mammotli Cave, Kentucky, 
Niagara Falls, Saratoga and Ballston Springs, New York 
Cit}^ Philadelphia and numerous other points of interest. 
Returning to Little Rock, I entered upon my second year's 
superintendency at $133^ per month, and also engaged in 
merchandising, but, not being able to give the latter busi- 
ness my personal attention, I abandoned it after less than 
a year's useful experience. 

Being now fully recovered in health, I determined on 
completing my prospective normal course, and therefore 
declined further emplo^-ment, though earnestl}' solicited, 
at $1,500 a 3'ear or $8jy per day for time emplo3'ed. 

In 187 1 I had the honor of graduating from said Ohio 
Normal, and among my classmates and co-graduates in 
this school were II. B. Brown, now Principal of Valpa- 
raiso Normal, F. P. Adams, Principal of the Central 
Normal at Danville, and Prof. John Burke, of Covington, 
Kentucky. 

The following ^^ear, while Principal of the New Garden 
High School, I was elected by the township trustees, on 
the first Monday in June, as Count}- Superintendent of my 
native count}' under the new school law providing for 
County Superintendent, Institutes, &c., and abolisliing the 
office of County Examiner. I at once gave bond, took 
charge of the office, and on the close of mv school entered 
upon the active duties of my new field of labor. This 
position I filled as best I could for two years, without fear 
or fa\'or, endeavoring to raise the standard of education, 
and by every available means to make our teachers and 
schools more efficient and effi^ctual and the instruction 
more practical and profitable. 



468 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

August 26, 1874, while County Superintendent, I was 
appointed by J. C. Denn}-, Attorne}' General, as his 
assistant in and for this count}^ under the act of March 
10, 1873. 

In the summer of 1875 I organized and with the aid of 
competent assistants held and conducted in the Greenfield 
Graded School building "The Hancock County Normal," 
the first normal school ever held in the county. 

During the long summer vacation of 1875, May 27th 
I was appointed deputy Treasurer, or tax collector, by 
County Treasurer E. H. Faut for the townships of Blue- 
River, Brandywine and Center, including Greenfield. 

The following summer, 1876, with increasing advan- 
tages and a larger corps of instructors, including Prof. W. 
A. Yohn, of Valparaiso, I conducted the largest normal 
ever held in the county, though several ver}^ interesting 
and well attended ones have since been held in difterent 
parts thereof. 

In the fall of 1875 I was elected Principal of the Green- 
field Graded Schools, which position I held for two years. 
In the meantime occurred the Centennial year, and all 
educational men were called upon to aid in " Indiana's 
Educational Exhibit at Philadelphia." I laid the matter 
before our teachers and schools, and suggested a series of 
exhibitions, with a reasonable admittance fee, which was 
promptly responded to in such a liberal manner as to give 
the school and city the credit of doing more than all others 
in the county and of placing herself in the front rank of 
cities of her size in the State. Our exhibit at the Centen- 
nial was also respectable, and I speak from personal 
knowledge, being in attendance thereat for a few weeks. 

In the spring of 1875, while County Superintendent, 
after the per diem was reduced by the Legislature and the 
work was not crowding, I employed Lee O. Harris to do 
the necessary work of the office, and started on a tour 
through the Southern States, determined to learn b}^ ob- 
servation something of tiie method of conducting schools. 
On this trip of a few weeks I visited the best schools of 



PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 469 

Nashville, Memphis, Vicksburg, New Orleans, Mont- 
gomery, Tallahassee, Jacksonville, Florida; Charleston, 
South Carolina; Atlanta, Georgia, and other points, a full 
account of which I gave in the Indiana School 'Journal^ 
which I represented. 

On the 26th of June, 1873, I was married to Miss Lucy 
Coggeshall, 3'oungest daughter of John Coggeshall, of 
Wayne count}-. 

The little family of two has since grown to six — Ger- 
trude, Edgar A.,, Robert J. and Paul F, being the younger 
members. 

In 1877, for various reasons, I resolved on abandoning 
my chosen profession for the more healthful, equally hon- 
orable and more remunerative profession of law-. The 
first year I read at home, on the farm, while rusticating 
and rejuvinating. I then returned to Greenfield, read in 
the office of New «& Barrett for the succeeding two years, 
was admitted to the bar of the Hancock Circuit Court in 
the meantime, and had entered upon the practice of my 
new profession, when I received a call from the Central 
Indiana Normal College, of Montgomery county, to take 
charge of the Law Department, and teach Theory and 
Practice, Zoology and Civil Government, which oflTer I 
accepted for one year. Returning for the third time to 
Greenfield, I opened up an office, put out my shingle, and 
while patiently awaiting for a client, contracted to write 
this " History of Hancock County" for King & Harden ; 
accepting a proposition to buy out the interest of Mr. Har- 
den, I became fully identified with the interest of the work, 
and have given it my spare moments from m}^ legal duties 
for the past six months. 



Hon. Charles G. Offutt, 

one of the leading attorney's of this cit}-, was born in 
Georgetown, Kentucky, October 4, 1845. He is the son 
of Lloyd and Elizabeth Offutt, respectively of Maryland 
and Kentucky. His early education was confined to the 



470 lIIsroRV OF HANCOCK COUXTV. 

common schools of his adopted State, whither he had 
removed with his parents when quite small. At the early 
age of seventeen he entered the dry goods store of 
Samuel Heavenridge, then a merchant in the town of 
Greenfield, where he remained for about two years. He 
then taught one term in the county district schools, after 
v.hich he engaged in the employ of Towsey & By ram, 
merchants of Indianapolis, where he continued for the fol- 
lowing two years. 

About this time Mr. Oftutt conceived the idea of adopt- 
ing the legal profession, in pursuance of which he returned 
to Greenfield and entered upon a course of reading with 
the Hon. James L. Mason, which he faithfulh^ continued 
tor about three years. He then formed a partnership with 
Judge Joseph S. Buckles, and continued that relation until 
the fall of 1873, when, by mutual consent, the firm 
was dissolved. Thencetbrward he continued the practice 
alone until 1876, at which time the law firm of Oti'utt & 
Martin w^as established, of which Mr. Offutt was the senior 
member. This partnership was continued until 1880, since 
which he has been alone. In 1872 he represented the 
county in the Lower House of the Legislature, Though one 
of the younger members of that august body, he did 
credit to himself and his constituents. In 1876 he was 
elected Democratic Elector for the Sixth Congressional 
District of Indiana. 

Mr. Offutt was married July 15, 1874, ^^ Miss Anna, 
oldest daughter of Frederick Hammel, late of this city, 
the fruits of which union are two sprightly children, a bo}' 
and girl. 

Mr. Offutt is a man of rare native ability, portly and 
promising, of pleasing address, and stands high in his pro- 
fession both as a counselor and practitioner. 

Leonidas p. Newby 
was born near Lewisville, Hendricks county, Indiana, 
April 9, 1856. He came with his parents, when quite 
young, to Greensborough, where he remained till the year 



PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 47 I 

1862, thence to Brown township, this county, where here- 
sided till 1872. But desiring better facilities for an 
education, he went to Knightstown, entered the High 
School, from which he graduated in 1874, being the first 
graduate from the Knightstown Academy, after which he 
took two year's private instruction under Prof. Charles 
Hewitt, completing the catalouge course of Asbury Uni- 
versity. He then taught one year at Fortville, two years 
at Warrington and a similar time in the Knightstown Acad- 
emy-. In 1873 he began the study of law with Charles M. 
Butler, then Prosecutor of this district. He continued to 
study and teach till 1877, when he entered into a partner- 
ship with Walter B. Swaim for one year, since which he 
has been alone. At the tall election of 1880 he was elected 
Prosecuting Attorney for the Eighteenth Judicial Circuit, 
and on the resignation of Charles M. Ikitler,' Prosecutor, 
he was appointed to fill his unexpired term. 

Mr. N. was married December 21, 1876, to Miss Mary, 
daughter of R. B. Breckenridge, one of the first families 
of Knightstown. He has two sprightly children, a pleas- 
ant home, and a splendid new brick residence in Knights- 
town, his present abode. I 

Andrew M. Patterson, 

a native of Carlisle, Penns3dvania, came to Greenfield in 
1832 and was one of the most energetic public spirited 
men of the county. He was ever making improvements, 
and urging others to do likewise. By trade he was a hat- 
ter, and carried on business for a number of years in the 
house which he built for the purpose, on the • north-w^est 
corner of Main and Pennsylvania streets. About this time 
he erected a handsome brick residence, at the time the best 
in the county ; the same is now occupied as the dwelling 
of A. J. Banks. He then beautified the grounds with 
trees, shrubbery and flowers till it equalled the finest 
grounds in the cities at that time. On the breaking 
out of the Mexican war he entered the service ; was elected 



q.72 HISTORY OF IIAXCOCK COUNTY. 

First Lieutenant of a company raised in this county, as 
seen from our list of Mexican soldiers further on. He 
remained in the arm}- till the close of the war, when he 
returned, broken down in health. As soon as he recruited 
somewhat he sold out, being discouraged with the slow 
progress of the town and county during his absence, and 
determined to go West, which resolution located him in 
Davenport, Iowa, where he amassed a fortune, and was 
honored and respected by all, irrespective of party. He 
represented his county in both Houses of the Legislature. 
From there he went to Carthage, Missouri, where he now 
resides, an honored member of society, and surrounded 
bv all that tends to make life pleasant. 

Mr. P. and our much esteemed friend, A. T. Hart, are 
perhaps the oldest business men of Greenfield now living. 
To the latter we are indebted for the above facts. 

Judge Mark E. P'orkner, 

a native of Henry county, was born January 26, 1846. 
His early education was received in the common schools 
of his neighborhood, after which he attended, for a time, 
the New Castle Academy. 

He was raised, principally, in the rural districts, dur- 
ing which he spent two years in his father's store at 
Millville, Henry county. He early conceived the idea of 
adopting the legal profession as his life calling, and, in 
accordance therewith, began reading law with Lewis Dale, 
of New Castle, May 10, 1864. In the spring of 1865 he 
came to Greenfield and continued his legal studies for a 
time, when he returned to New Castle, and still employed 
his golden moments in the prosecution of his chosen 
profession, with Joshua H. Mellett, till the fall of 1866, sup- 
porting himself in the meantime by teaching school in the 
winter. In the fall of that year he was appointed Deputy 
District Attorney for Henry county, by Calvin D. Thomp- 
son. On the resignation of Mr. T., R. A. Riley was 
appointed to fill the vacancy, who continued Mr. F. as 
Deputy. 



PERSONAL SKETCHES AND BRIEF BIOGRAPHIES. 



473 



In the spring of 1867 he formed a partnership with 
Judge Mellett, which continued till 1870, the date of Mr. 
jVI.'s election to the bench. Mr. Forkner next associated 
himself with Senator Eugene H. Bundy, with whom he 
remained till the fall of 1876, since which time he has 
been alone. He represented his native county in the 
Lower House of the Legislature in 1874 "^^'ith credit to him- 
self and honor to his constituents, being a member of the 
Judiciar}' and other important committees. 

May II, 1881, he was appointed Judge of the Eigh- 
teenth Judicial Circuit, to fill the vacancy occasioned by 
the death of the late Robert L. Polk. This appointment 
was made just seventeen years and one da}^ from the date 
on which he began his legal studies. 

He was married June 22, 1869, to Miss Rebecca A. 
Donahue, the fruits of which union are two promising 
children — a bov and a girl. Judge Forkner is an able 
lawyer, an efficient judge ; fearless and impartial in his 
decisions. 

James K. King 

was born October 17, 1818, in Jefferson county, Indiana, 
within four miles of an Indian camp, and was called by 
the red men "a pale-face pappoose." The Indians often 
visited at his father's house, and invariably slept with their 
knives and tomahawks under their heads. 

When the subject of this sketch was six 3'ears old his 
father moved to Garrard county, Kentuck}^ ; here he learned 
his A, B, C's, and remained four years, then returned to 
Jefferson for two years ; thence to Decatur county, in the 
green woods with his father, where he attended school in 
the winter until his seventeenth year ; he then taught for a 
time, and attended school for three terms at the Greens- 
burg Seminary. In 1839 he was joined in wedlock with 
Miss Irene Wilson, in Decatur count}', sister of H. B. 
Wilson, of Green township. In 1840 he moved to Han- 
cock county and settled in the native forests. In 1847 he 
located in Warrington and engaged in the goods and stock 
31 



474 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



trade until 1857, when he failed. In 1852 he joined the 
Masons. In i860 he was elected County Surveyor, and 
re-elected in 1862. In 1861 he located in Greenfield, since 
which he has acted as Deputy Sheriff' for about four years 
and Assessor for eleven 3'ears. In 1875 ^^^ published 
"King's Map of Hancock County." In 1881 he associated 
himself with Samuel Harden, of Madison count}', under 
the firm name of King & Harden, for the purpose of pub- 
lishing the History of Hancock County. 

Safe Robbery. 

During the late ci\'il war and tor a time thereafter there 
was more larceny, burglary, robbery, arson and other 
violations of the criminal code than during any other period 
in the history of our county and country. It was a favor- 
able time for the development of the worst elements of 
society, and evil cropped out occasionally, even where it 
was least expected ; political prejudices, sectional feelings 
and party strifes were current. Tramps, tricksters, trai- 
tors and treacherous villains flourished during those peril- 
ous 3'ears, and escaped unhurt, and their sins were heaped 
on the shoulders of innocent parties ; but in the case under 
consideration, though the guilt\' parties were never dis- 
covered to a moral and h^gal certainty, yet the innocent 
were fullv^ able to sustain themselves. No one occurrence 
of this period seemed to interest the people of the covmty 
more than this one. All felt an interest in this matter, and 
ever\' effort was made to discover the perpetrators, but in 
vain. 

We quote from the record : 

" Whereas, It lias been shown to the full satisfaction of the 
County Commissioners of Hancock county, Indiana, by com- 
petent and sufficient evidence, that on tlic night of the I2tli of 
January, 1866, the Treasurer's oflice of this, Hancocls; county, 
was feloniously entered, the iron safe broken open and a large 
sum of money stolen therefrom, of which five thousand dollars 
was money belonging to Hancock county, the same having been 



PERSONAL SKKTCHES AND I5RIEF HIOGRAPHIES. 475 

collected by Nelson Bradley. Treasurer of said county for 1865. 
and delinquencies for former years; and, 

" Whereas, It further appears that said loss occurred with- 
out the acquiescence, ncglig'ence or fault of said Nelson Hradley 
aforesaid. 

"Therefore, Be it ordered by the board aforesaid that 
said Nelson Bradley, Treasurer of Hancock county, be and is 
hereby released and discharged from the payment of said sum 
of Hvc thousand dollars so felonious! v taken from the count v 
safe as aforesaid in 1S66." 



CHAPTER XXX. 

charts and miscellaneous matters. 

Key to the Followinc; Charts. 

The following two charts we have carefully prepared and 
introduced here for the purpose of giving a bird's-eye 
view of the dates, chief ofncers and principal events of our 
National and County History, from the date of their organ- 
ization down to the present time, and, in the case of the 
county, the important data from the tirst settlement thereof 
bv the whites. 

The first chart is more of a general nature, showing 
the name and date of ovu" Presidents, Governors, State 
Senators and Representatives, and our Circuit Judges ; 
and, in the last column, the important events of the 
respective years. 

Chart number two is more of a local natvu^e, but to 
accomplish the object intended, should be examined and 
studied in connection with the first. Like the first, it is 
ruled into seven columns. In the fn\st is found the date, 
opposite which in regular order follow the names of the 
countv ofiicers. Clerk, Recorder, Auditor, Treasurer and 
Sherifi'; and, in the last column, one or more of the chief 
events in the county history. 

Notice on chart number one, that in 1789 George Wash- 
ington became the first President of the United States ; 
that the principal event of that year w^as the adoption of 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 477 

the ten amendments to the Federal Constitution ; that as 
Indiana and Hancock county were yet unorganized, the 
intervening columns are blank. In 1828, John Q^ Adams 
was President ; James B. Ra}-, Governor of Indiana ; Calvin 
Fletcher, our State Senator; Bethuel F. Morris, our Cir- 
cuit Judge, and the principal national events the organiza- 
tion of the present Democratic party, and the increase of 
duties on imports. Chart number two shows Lewis Tyner 
the first County Clerk; Henry Watts, first Treasurer, and 
John Foster, first Sheriff; Greenfield and the Courts 
organized. An examination of 1881 and 1882 shows an 
equally advantageous condensed histor}- of cotemporane- 
ous dates and events in the National, State, and County 
History. We think the chart sufficiently clear without 
further explanation. Its chief advantage to the student 
is in the association of dates and events of a local and Na- 
tional character, and thereby facilitating the memory and 
increasincr the interest : 



478 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



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CHARTS AND MISCELI.ANKOUS MATTERS. 



483 



V. 



c 
z 

(- 


First fair and thrashing machine. 
Second woolen factory. 
Hancock Democrat established. 
One Trustee in" each township. 
.\gricultaral Society organized. 
First companies for civil war. 
Enlistment of militia. 
:|!ioo bounty to soldiers. 
Family I'isitor established. 
Soldiers returned home. 


Safe Robbery. 

Pike fever. 

Greenfield Commercial established. 

Contract to build school-house and jail. 

First planing mill. 

Five additions to Grpenfield. 

Patrons of Husbandry organized. 

Murder of Samuel Derry. 

Medical Society organized. 

Keemer hung .and Wood committed suicide. 

(Jreenfield incorporated. Jcffersonian started. 

William Frost found dead." 

Sarah Wilson murdtred. 

County fair demised. 

Repuflican est.ablished. ist old settlers meeting. 

L, B. & W. R. R. organized, and free pikes. 

History of Hancock County published. 


Id 


Mordecai Millard., 
Taylor W. Thomas 

Samuel Archer 

Wm. G. Cauldwell 


William Wilkins.. 

Geo. W. Sample. .. 
Robert P. Brown.. 
William Thomas.. 

W. H.Thompson.. 


a 


Geo. W.. Hatfield.. 

John Addison 

Nelson Bradley... 


Robert P. Brown.. 

Ernst H. Faut 

.\ndrcw Hagen . . 
Isaiah \. Curry . . 


5 


Lysander Sparks. 


Jonathan Tague. . . 
A. C. Handy 

Henry Wright. . . 



oi 




X 


Lem'l W. Gooding 

William K. West. 

Levi Learv 
William .Nlitchell. 


.\mos C. Beeson. . 

h'raiicis 0. Sears. . 
John Reeves 

N. H. Roberts.. . 
J. W. Ryon, (ap.). 


■1 


Geo. y". .\tkiton. . . 
John T. Sebastian 

Morgan Chandler 

Henry A. Swopc . 


Ephraim Marsh . 


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vC l-CC '>0 - '' r^.T "-.^O r^CO 1^ C - -^ 



484 



HISTORY OF HA^•COCK COUNTY 



COUNTY COMMISSIONEKS. 



Saimicl A'angilder. 

John Hunter 

Elisha Chapman.. 
WilHam AlcCance. 
George Troxwell .. 
Benjamin SpiUman 
Enoch O'Brien. . . . 
Richard WiUiams. 

John O'Brien 

Daniel Smith 

Isaac Willett 

Nathan Henry. . . . 

Jacob Tague 

WiHiam Curry. . . . 

Seth Walker.' 

Samuel Shockley.. 

Abram Rhue 

Jordan Lacy 

James Tyner 

James Hazlett 

Reson Perry 

Daniel Wilkison.. . 
Shelton Banks .... 
Jacob Sllfer 



82S John Collins 

828 Robison Jarrctt 

828 Nevcl Reeves 

831 EliasMcCord 

832 Hiram Tyner 

834 William New 

83:^ John Hinchman . . . . 

835 James Tyner 

836 Ephraim Thomas.. . 

837 David Caudell 

839 Jonathan Smith. . . . 

840 John S. Lewis 

843 William H. Dye..., 

843 James Tyner 

844 William P. Brokaw, 

845 John Addison 

846 William P. Brokaw, 

847 Jacob Slifer 

849 T. E. Bentley 

850 Edward P. Scott... 
8=^1 Thomas E. Bentley . 
8^3 Augustus Dennis... 

85=^ John E. Dve 

856 



S57 
85S 

859 

860 

861 

862 

863 

864 

866 

869 

870 

871 

873 

872 

S73 
874 

875 

877 

879 
880 

880 

8S0 

881 



COUNTY SURVEYORS. 



Meredith Gosney William Fries 1864 

Morris Pierson 1844 J. H. Landis 1876 

George W. Hatfield. .. . 1850 John V. Coyner 1878 

C. G. Sample 1854 Winfield S. Fries 1880 

James K. King i860 

SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS. 

Meredith Gosney ^833 Morris Pierson 1842 

John Justice 1835 John Averv ^ ^843 

Wilham Johnson 1838 J. Etter 1845 

James D. Henry ^839 J. Tliarp 

Asa Gooding 1840 ( )hi nd Crane 



CHARTS AM) MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 485 

SCHOOL EXAMLNKKS. 

At first three were appointed in each townsliip until 

1854- 

Jaines Riitherturd ^§54 Mansfield C. Foley 1S64 

lleuben A. Riley 1856 A. V, B. Sample 186S 

James L. Mason ^^59 James A. New 1S71 

^Villiam Fries 1861 

COUNTY SUPEKIXTLNDEXTS OF SCHOOLS. 

John H. Binford 1873 Aaron Pope -^79 

William P. Smith 1875 Robert A. Smith i88r 



United States Rectangular Survey. 

W/icn (Did W/iy Adoftcd. — Prior to the year 1802 no uni- 
form system of surveying had been adopted by law in the 
United States, and consequently no uniformity prevailed, 
and no little amount of confusion, disputing and litigation 
resulted therefrom. Congress soon saw that it was just as 
necessar^' to have a tixed system of surveying as to have 
a standard of weights, measures and values ; accordingl}^, 
in 1802, Jared Mansfield, Surveyor-General of the North- 
West Territory, presented to Congress a plan which was 
at once adopted, and put into use in the survey of all the 
public lands then owned and since acquired by the United 
vStates. This system is the most simple, satisfactory and 
convenient of anv yet known. 

PRINCIPAL MERIDIAN AND BASE LINES. 

This plan is substantiallv as follows : Through the State 
or territory to be surveyed a line is run due north and south 
with great care and accuracy, by careful measurements 
and astronomical observations, called the Priiicipa/ JSIcri- 
diaii, and another at right angles with this, called the Base 
Line (see diagram No. i). These two lines are the initial 
or starting points, and may be established wherever 
deemed most convenient. There are about twenty-five 
principal meridians, and an equal number of base lines in 
the various survevs of the United States and her territories. 



^86 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COLNTV. 

The Principal jMcridiau in Indiana is located about twenty 
miles west of Indianapolis ; runs through Lebanon, Boone 
county, and extends from the Ohio river to the northern 
boundary of the State. The Base Line governing our 
townships in this portion, and most of Indiana, is located 
fiftv miles south of Columbus, in Bartholomew county, 
and ninet}' miles south of the court-house in Greenfield. It 
extends from the French surreys in Knox county and 
vicinity to Clark's Military Survey in Clark and adjoining 
counties.'" 

RANGE AND TOWNSHIP I.INES. 

On either side of the Principal Meridian extend other 
meridians called Range Lines, six miles apart, and the 
tirst six miles from the Principal Meridian. This divides 
the district into strips six miles wide, extending north 
and south, called Ra)iges, and numbered in regular 
order tVom the Principal Meridian east or west, as the case 
may be. On either side of the base line extend township 
lines, which divide the territory to be surveyed into strips 
six miles wide, extending east and west, called Tozcns/iips. 
By the intersection of these township and range lines the 
territory is divided into rectangles, approximately six miles 
square, called Congressional Tozvns/iips, which conl:iin 
thirty-six square miles eacli. 

Remark — Note the distinction between townships and 
and Congressional towmships, the former are strips six 
miles wide, through the wln)le survey, east and west, while 
the latter are rectangles six miles square. 

The followinij diagram will show the method of locating 
townships : 



*Witli the exception of these two early surveys, located in the south-east and south- 
west parts of the State, Indiana was surveyed under the government system. The 
government surveys were nearly all made from the second Principal Meridian, runninjr 
through Lebanon. The south-eastern portion of the State was surveyed from the first 
Principal Meridian, which runs due north from the mouth of the Miami river, forming 
the eastern boundary of the State, and a base line fifteen miles nortli of the base line 
before described, hence the south-eastern portion of Indiana is in range west instead of 
cast, as the iininfonnod would suppose. 



CHARTS AXU MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 



487 



DIAGRAM NO. i. 













Tp. 4, N. 
R. 3, E. 






Tp. 3,N. 
R. 2, \V. 
















< 

5 


u.' 
J 










BASK. 


X 

u 

< 


Tp. .,N. 
R. I, E. 


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z 

TOWN 


< 

SHIP 


LINE. 








Tp. 2, S. 

R. 2, W. 










Tp. 2, S. 
R. 4, E. 



We mav here remark that at the time of runnincr the 
principal meridian base line, township and range lines, 
corners are marked by the Government survey, or on each 
line for every half mile, to facilitate the further division of 
the land. 

Scctio)is. — After the territory to be surve\'ed is divided 
into townships, as shown by explanations and diagrams 
above, the townships are then divided into sections by run- 
ning lines east and west and north and south, a mile apart, 
thus dividing them into smaller rectangles a mile square, 
called sections,, containing six hundred and fortv acres each 
when full. 

^LVNXER OF SURVEYING SECTIONS. 

The i)iodi(s operandi in laying off these sections is as 
follows : The surveyor begins at a point one mile west of 
the south-east corner of a Congressional township on the 
southern boundary line of the same, and from this point 
runs one mile north, then east on what surveyors call a 
random line to the eastern boundary of the township. Now 



488 



HISTORY OF IIAXCOCK COUNTY. 



should this random line intersect the eastern boundar}- line 
at the first section or mile corner, he measures the line 
back, establishing a corner midway on the same ; if not, 
he finds the proper mile corner, corrects the line, and then 
marks the quarter section corner midway on the corrected 
line, and thus he continues till he runs off" the first tier of 
sections on the east, when he begins again, on the soutli 
line this time, two miles west of the south-east corner or 
one mile west of the former beginning point, w4ien he runs 
through in a similar manner, except that he does not run 
to the eastern boundar\' line but to the former line estab- 
lished. 

The figures in the following diagram indicate the course 
of the surveyor and the order in which the lines are run : 

DIAGRAM NO. 2. 





90 




OS 




51 


134 




17 




fS 


89 




67 




=;o 




33 




16 






S6 


i*7 


65 


00 


48 


49 


3J 


32 


14 


•'■5 


S4 


8S 
82 


S5 


64 




47 




3*5 




'3 






62 


63 


45 


46 


28 


29 


11 


12 

i 


80 


81 




61 




44 




27 




10 

S 


9 




7S 


79 


59 


60 


42 


43 


25 


26 


76 


77 




ss 




41 




24 




7 


l 




74 


7S 


56 


57 


39 


40 


22 


23 


5 


72 


73 




55 




38 




21 




i 






70 


71 


53 


54 


36 


37 


•9 


20 


2 


' 




69 




52 




35 




iS 




I 





It will be seen that the first four tier of sections on the 
east are all surveyed in a like manner, w^iile the last two 
are established on the same, run north ; thus the surve3'or 
goes from 69 to 70, then east to 71, then west two miles to 
72, and so on to the north two sections in the west two 



CHARTS AND ISIISCELLANEOL'S MATTERS. 489 

tiers, which are completed by the surveyor intersecting the 
northern boundary at 90, which completes the survey of the 
township. The United States Surveyor has now completed 
his work ; any further sub-division is the work of the 
County Surveyor. The division of the section into quar- 
ters is indicated by the corners marked midway on all sec- 
tion lines. The county or local surveyor, when called 
upon to do so, connects these corners b}" lines intersecting 
in the center of the section, thus actually dividing the sec- 
tion into quarters, which may now readily be still further 
divided into forty or eighty acre tracts. 

FRACTIONAL SECTIONS. 

Owing to the rotundy of the earth, townships seldom 
contain thirty-six square miles, but generally less. The 
townships being divided into sections in the above manner, 
it is evident that the deficiency or excess, /. r., the amount 
of land, more or less than six miles square in the town- 
ship, must fall in the north and west tiers of sections, and 
in the west half of the west tier and north half of the north 
tier. From this fact the sections on the north and west 
sides of a Congressional township are called fractional sec- 
tions, because they contain more or less than six hundred 
and forty acres. Section six in the north-west corner, from 
having the excess or deficiency throw^n into it from both east 
and south, is called a Double Fractional Section^ and seldom 
contains more than one exact quarter. 

CORRECTION LINES. 

The meridians run by the compass are not parallel, but 
converge tow'ard the magnetic north pole, located in the 
Boothnia Peninsula, north-east of Hudson Bay. Thus 
the north side of the townships are narrower than the 
south, and the northern townships smaller than the south- 
ern. If these lines were continued for a great distance, the 
disparity in the size of the township would be great, but 
this is obviated by making every fifth line north and every 
fourth line south of the base line a secondary base or a 
32 



490 HISTORV OF IIANXOCK COUNTY. 

correction line, and remeasuring the distance on the lines 
and starting anew trom the prime base. 

Then, again, to counteract and correct discrepancies 
that may arise from obstructions, such as underbrush, 
ravines, hills, trees, etc., every eighth line east and west 
of the principal meridian is taken as a secondary- or cor- 
rection meridian, and the distances remeasured. 

In the following diagram. No. 3, the figures indicate 
the course of the surveyor in running off the Congressional 
townships, containing, approximately, twenty-three thous- 
and and forty acres each : 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 
DIAGRAM NO. 5. 



491 



Correction 



i2 II 



Base 



19 20 



■3 M 



2^ 26 



19 20 



II 12 



II 2i 



517 



12 II 



Panillel. 



H »3 



28 



^6 25 



23 22 



37 36 



20 19 



18 



Line. 



40 39 



3? 



34 33 



32 



3' 30 



In order to make this article more practical to the 
young and others not acquainted with land descriptions, 
we introduce diagram No. 4, which, with the explanations 
following, w'ill enable any one to read ordinary descrip- 
tions. 



492 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 
DIAGRAM NO. 4. 



D 














1 


c 


B 


A 

1 


F 




I 


p 


Q. 


R 


s 




G 


H 




J 


K 







L 




M 


N 




T 



(A) E. ne., So acres. 

(B) E. hf. w. hf. ne. qr., 40 acres. 

(C) W. hf, w. hf. ne. qr., 40 acres. 

(D) N. nw., 80 acres. 

(E) S. hf. nw. qr., 80 acres. 

(F) N. hf. nw. qr. sw. qr., 20 acres. 

(G) S. hf. nw. qr. sw. qr., 20 acres. 

(H) \V. hf. ne. qr. sw. qr. and se. ne. sw., 30 acres. 
(I) Ne. ne. sw., 10 acres. 

(J) Sw. sw., 40 acres. 

(K) N.hf. nw. se. sw., 5 acres. 

(L) S. hf. nw. se. sw., 5 acres. 

(M) W. hf. sw. se. sw., 5 acres. 

(N) E. hf. sw. se. sw., 5 acres. 

(O) E. hf. sc. sw., 20 acres. 

(P) Wd. nw. qr. se. qr., uniformly 26 rods wide, containing 13 acres. 

(QJ Commencing twenty-six rods east of the north-west corner of the soutli-east 

([uarter of section , in township north [or south], in range east [or west]; thence 

south eighty rods; thence east twenty-eight rods; thence north eighty rods to the north 
line of said south-east quarter, thence west twenty-eight rods to tlie place of beginning, 
containing fourteen acres. 

(Ft) Describe as in "P," or by metes and bounds as in "Q." 

(S) W. hf. ne. qr. se., and nw. se. se., also n. hf. sw. sc., 50 acres. 

(T) E. hf. e. hf. se. and sw. se. se., also s. hf. sw. se., 70 acres. 

Remarks. — A land description to be good, our Supreme 
Court has held, must so describe the realty that a compe- 
U-nt :^u^^ ovor can locate it, hence a middle division con- 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS ]\LVTTERS. 493 

taining so many acres is not sufficicnth' definite without 
being described by "metes and bounds.' The position of 
a section is known by its number, and the location of a 
township by the town and range. 

Teachers in the district schools should thoroughly mas- 
ter this subject, and then aid their advanced pupils in doing 
the same. 

Otr Poets and Poeteses. 

Hancock count}' may justly boast of her poetic talent, 
and claim the right to liead the list of rythmic counties 
in Indiana. Marion may boast of her Sarah T. Bolton, 
Henry of her Ben. Parker, Wayne of her Mrs. Jordon, 
but none of them can furnish a Riley or a Harris. Parker 
writes for pastime, Riley writes as a profession ; Mrs. 
Bolton is spontaneous, Harris is perpetual ; other poets of 
the State write for pleasure, ours for pay. 

This histor}- would be incomplete without some account 
of our poets and their pennings. For want of space we 
shall not stop to give a personal sketch of each, nor a 
critique on their \vritings, but will be content with sample 
extracts from their numerous productions. 

FRIDAY AFTERNOON. 

nv J. W. UILEV. 

Of all the plca.sin<r faces 

That remembrance can recall. 
The old school da\' romances 

Arc the dearest after all! 
Where feme sweet thought revises 

The half-forgotten time 
That opened "exercises" 

On "Friday afternoon." 

I seem to hear the clicking 

Of the pencil and the pen. 
And the solemn, ceaseless ticking 



494 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 

Of tlie time-piece ticking then! 
And to note the watchful master, 

And the deprecating nod 
That made the heart beat faster 

For the boy that threw the wad. 





Some little hand uplifted. 
And the creaking of a shoe; 

A problem left unsifted 

For tile teaciier's hand to do. 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 495 

The murmured hum of Icarniutr^ 

The flutter of a book — 
The smell of something burning 

And the school's incjuiring look. 

A bashful boy in blushes, 

And the girl with glancing eyes, 
Who hides her smiles, and hushes 

The laugh about to rise; 
And with a quick invention 

Assumes a solemn face 
To meet the words "attention ! 

Every scholar in his place I"' 

The opening song, page 20, — 

Ah! dear old "Golden Wreath," 
You willed your sweets in plenty 

And some who look beneath 
The leaves of Time will linger, 

^\.nd loving tears \vill start 
As fancy trails her finger 

Over the index of her heart. 

An "Essay on the Science 

Of Trigonometry,'' 
And "Cataline's Defiance," 

And may be two or three 
Short dialogues, and punny, 

And a little boy in blue 
Winds up with something funny 

Like "Cock — a — doodle — doo!" 

So the exercises taken 

Thro' gradations of delight 
To the reading of "The Paper," 

Which is entertaining — quite! 
For it goes ahead and mentions 

"If a certain Mr. O. 
Has serious intentions 

That he ougfht to tell her so." 



49^ HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

It also asks permission 

"To intimate to John 
The coquettish condition 

Of the ground he's walking on;" 
And dropping the suggestion, 

To "mind what he's about," 
It stabs him with the question: 

"Does his mother know he's out?" 

When all has been recited. 

And the teacher's bell is heard ; 
And visitors invited, 

Have dropped a kindly word, 
A hush of holy feeling 

Falls down upon us here, 
As tho' the day were kneeling. 

And the twilight was a prayer. 

O! happy hearts and faces, 

On that great day's review, 
Will you all be in the places 

That were assigned to you? 
Will you conquer life's disasters, 

And with golden harps atune. 
Wait the signal of the Master 

On that endless afternoon? 



THE HARVEST DAYS OF THE OLDEN TIME. 

BY LEE O. HARRIS. 

O! the harvest days of the olden time! 
The ring of the sickles in merry rhyme; 
The wealth that fell at the reaper's feet. 
With the tinkling s^und of a music sweet; 
My soul is wrapt in a dream to-day, 
And over my senses, from far away. 
There comes a rustle of grain, combined 
With the drows\- voice of the summer wind. 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 

And my heart overflows with a song of praise 

For the days — the days! 
The harvest time of my boyhood days. 

I stand again where the breezes toy 

With the tangled locks of Ihe fanner boy; 

I hear the chorus of tuneful birds, 

The tinkling bells of the grazing herds. 

The happy shout and the joyous song, 

And the gladsome laugh of the reaping throng. 



497 




The shout, the song, and the merry peal — 

Attend to the ring of the flashing steel — 

They come to me now through the dreamy maze 

From the days — the days! 
The harvest time of my boyhood days. 

Again I walk in the joyous train 
That follows after the loaded wain; 
Again to my heart, like an echo, come 
The gladsome shouts of tlic harvest home. 
When the merry, sun-browned lasses greet 
The reaper lads with the golden wheat. 
There was one, with hair of a sunnier hue 
Than the ripened grain of the harvest knew. 



49^ HISTORY OF IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 

(jrew rosy as dawn at my ardent gaze, 

In the days — the days! 
The harvest time of my boyliood. days. 

Alas! alas! how the years go by! 
How the young grow old and the lovely die! 
How sad the music, how marred the rh3'me, 
Of the harvest songs of the olden time! 
For the rattling cog and the grinding wheel 
Rise over the ring of the reaper's steel, 
And death, the harvester, low hath laid 
The golden hair of the sun-browned maid, 
And I sigh like one who vainly prays 

For the days — the days! 
The vanished dream o." mv boyhood days. 



OLD SETTLER'S SONG. 

15 V SAM U EI. BROOKS. 

I lived in Jefferson before I came here, 
My father, a hunter, killed turkeys and deer; 
Then women were known to scutch out tlie flax. 
From which thev made linen to put on their backs. 

It was then very common, I'd have you understand. 
For women to card wool and spin it by hand; 
While the girls at the wheel were careful and gay, 
My mother at the loom kept banging away. 

The people in common in home-made were dressed. 
When the Sabbath came 'round they put on their best: 
I came to Hancock in the year thirty-two. 
The houses were scarce and the people were few. 

The country was new when I first settled here, 
I hunted wild turkeys and killed of tlie deer; 
Then pea-vines, nettles, and plenty of frogs, 
And snakes and big turtles were seen in the bogs. 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 



499 



Then porcupines and 'possums were caught in their dens, 
And the wolves were taken in steel-traps and pens; 
There were few of our men that ever wore boots, 
Though they cleared in the green and plowed among roots. 

Then women were known to work on the farm, 
Or at the spinning-wheel, and thought it no harm; 
They oft' c'id up their work so very late at night, 
And breakfasted next morning before it was light. 

They wrapped up their babies so snug and so soft. 
Then rocked them to sleep in an old sugar trough; 
The children went ragged, in their little bare feet, 
Their mothers still kissed them and said they were sweet. 

We now have railroads and telegraphs too. 
The churches and school-houses are never a few; 
We now have plenty, and something to spare. 
Fine boots on our feet and good dollies to wear. 

We men can drink coflec and women drink tea, 
And are all living happy as happy can be; 
While the children grow fat on butter and milk, 
The ladies go dressed in their satin and silk. 

While people arc passing from day unto day. 
We see them in buggies along the bighwav; 
We hear the cars whistle, we hear the bells ring. 
While the people collect to pray and to sing. 

We now have fine carpets and big leather beds. 
With extra big pillows to put under our heads; 
And plenty of good books and papers to read. 
Anion"- the <i:reat nations we're takingf the lead. 



5CiO HISTORY OF IIAXCOCK COUNTY. 

CHRIST THE WAY. 

BY MRS. R. P. HILL, 

formerly a resident of Blue-River township, and youngest 
daughter of Joel Pusey, a merchant, taken Irom a little 
volume, entitled "Musings," published in 1871 : 

Although religion is professed 

By many in this day; 
How few there are will stand the test 

Of Christ, the living way. 
If in fine carriages or car, 

They can to meeting go. 
And there smooth words and doctrine hear. 

Religion then will do. 
The clergy they may thus engage. 

Just taught in human school, 
Can take his text from gilted page, 

Or kneel on cushioned stool; 
But if the gospel, called to spread. 

In Jesus' humble way, 
How few that lowly path would tread. 

To everlasting day. 
Salvation's terms remain the same, 

Though ages have gone by. 
As when from Jesus' lips they came; 

And if we don't comply, 
We need not think He'll change his plan. 

To suit our r.tubborn will; 
For creeds gotten up by man.. 

Will not with Him prevail; 
But we must love with all our mind. 

And soul, and strength, the Lord, 
Vea, more than any earthl}- friend, 

Or treasures here acquired. 
And do His will from day to da\-, 

And on His name believe. 
If tluis His precepts we'll obey, 

S;il\ati()n we'll receive. 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANKOUS MATTERS. 5OI 

AN APOSTROPHE TO DEATH.* 

HV SINNER AND SAINT. 
SINNER. 

Oh, Death! thou king of terrors, 
Thou cruel, hideous monster! 
Uninvited into our dwclHngs cnterest 
And tak'st the fairest, sweetest, best! 

We've heard of thee by tongue and pen. 
Through holy prophets and pious men, 
Thou art no stranger,' grave, grim Death, 
And yet thou art no friend. 

The fields are naked and the meadows bare, 
The winds are howling and the woods are sighing 
And all nature oft' weeping and crying 
Because, Oh, Death, they say thou wert there. 

Thou art cold, Oh, Death, so cold, 

Thy presence so chilling we dread; 

E'en our blood runs cold as thy presence we behold, 

And all hope and joy forever is fled. 

Then approach not our dwellings 
Now and for aye we implore thee — 
But depart, depart unwelcome Death, 
We would bid thee a final adieu. 



Nay, but stop one moment, Death, delay — 

A sadder thought has filled our breast; 

The words of a song we learned so young, 

"We would not live always, no we would not live always." 

In the world we are in there's sorrow and sin 
Hut there is a brighter, brighter above, 
And the door to that world 
As we often have heard, is Death, cold death. 



♦Written bv the Editor. 



502 IIISTORV OK HANCOCK COUNTY, 

And if from sin \vc arc free, 

No sting there will be at thoughts of thee. 

As thou calTst at our homes 

To set us free from this world of sin and pain. 

Then call when thou may 

To take us away to bright mansions above, 

We hope we can say 

"Oh, Death, where is thy sting?" 

"The sting of death is sin," 
And if from sin we are free — 
Then come Death, welcome Death 
Thv mission we'll not deny. 



STORM. 

KY CLAKA LOUISE BOTTSFORD. 

Is it deep midnight on the raging sea ? 

Is the world all blr.ck .'' Do the mad winds moan, 
And the rain beat down all pitilessly 

On the up-turned face ? Have the waters grown 
So cold and the beacon light so dim ? 

And the surging waves so wild and high r 
Do lurid flames of lightning flash 

In the purple face of an angry sky ? 
Bend lower ! Lower ! Let the writhing mass 
Of darkness pour ! The storm will pass. 



THE CRUCIFICTION. 

BV H. A. UII.EV. 

'Ti.s evening, at the supper now. 

The Savior breaks the sacred bread, 

And pours the wine ; with solemn vow 
Proclaims Himself the Church's Head 



CHARTS AND MISCELLANEOUS MATTERS. 503 

'TLs night, on Olive's somber brow 

The stars are hid that twinkled there ; 
Alone the suffering Savior bows, 

With none His agony to share. 

'Tis midnight, and with sorrow riven. 
His sweat and blood flows freely down ; 

He ope's the way from earth to Heaven — 
For all His saints prepares a crown. 

'Tis midnight, and the trial past, 

The Savior to the Jews betraved, 
A pris'ner in their hands at last 

To smite, imprison, and degrade. 

'Tis morning, and among the great, 

Their spite, and jealous anger burns ; 
They mock Him with a robe of state. 

And crown Him with a crown of thorns. 

'Tis noonday, and the Christ condemned 

To bleed and perish on the tree : 
Yet angels do their Lord attend — 

Sinner, He died for you and me ! 

While on the cross the Savior hung, 

The pall of night at noonday spread, 
The quaking earth with anguish wrung. 

The bursting tombs gave up their dead. 

The veil was r&nt, the lightnings fell, 

From out the darkness hear the cry 
Of Him who conquered Death and Hell. 

'■'■ Eloi Lama Sabachthanir 

The tomb receives His mangled coi'se — 

They set the seals, and Roman guard ; 
With taunting jeer, and muttered curse. 

The tomb is sealed, and watched, and ])arred. 

Yet at the promised morning's dawn. 

The seals were loosed, the guardsmen fell ; 



504 IlIsroRV OK HANCOCK COUXTV. 

He 'rose, triumphant marching on, 

In chains led captive Death and Hell. 

The trembhng earth, the Inirsting tomb, 
And songs of saints and seraphim 

Proclaim the risen Lord has come ; 

The world shall bow and worship Him. 

As He ascends from earth above 
To Heaven, our promised home. 

In trusting faith we live, and love. 
Our risen Lord agfain will come. 



UNFORGIVEN. 

BY CLARA LOUISE BOTTSFOKD. 

If you — when I lie cold and dead. 

And can not move nor breathe nor speak — 
Should lay your hand upon my head, 

Or press your warm lips to my cheek. 
Or let one tear from your dim eyes 

Fall on my face — I swear to you 
That I will live, and you shall stand 

Before me mute and white — the blue 
Of Heaven turn to black — the sun 

Be smothered from your sight — and I — 
Whom you have wronged — although you might 

Drop down with lifted hands and cry 
For mercy — I will feel no throb 

Of pity — nay, though you should die I 



CHARTS AND MISCEI.LAXEOUS MATTERS. 505 

Dr. J. G. Stuart 

was born in Guilford county, North Carolina, September 
18, 1826. His parents emigrated to Indiana in 1829, and 
settled one mile west of Richmond, Wayne county, where 
they remained for a time ; thence to Knightstown, where 
they continued until 1835. From there they came to Han- 
cock count}', and settled in the wild w^oods, w'here the 
subject of this sketch resided with his parents until 1843, 
when he left home with what blue jeans clothes he could 
tie up in a kerchief and fifty cents in his pocket. He 
walked to Randolph county, and began the study of med- 
icine with Dr. J. W. Randell, with w^hom he continued until 
1844, when he went to Knightstown, Henry county, and 
studied one year with Dr. John Weaver ; thence to Char- 
lottsville, and completed his studies wath Dr. Henry T. 
Cook. He commenced the practice of medicine in June, 
1846. His first medical effort was to adjust a fractured arm 
for Andrew Paule}'. He continued the practice until 1863, 
when he took a course of lectures at Ann Arbor, Michigan. 
Again he resumed his chosen profession. He graduated 
at the College of Physicians and Surgeons in 1874. 

Dr. Stuart resides in Fortville, has a paying practice, is 
a married man, and the senior member of the medical firm 
of J. G. Stuart & Son. 



33 



CHAPTER XXXI. 

TATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COL'XrV. 
I N T K O D U C T.O R V . 

In our prospectus of this work we promised to give a 
list of the soldiers of the county, besides we would be 
remiss in our dut^' to the brave defenders of our country, 
the Mexican and Civil War soldiers, if we did not give 
their names a place on these .pages. We would gladly 
insert a more extended notice of each, but our limited 
space forbids, and hence shall be content in placing before 
our readers the name, rank, company, regiment, date of 
muster, and such brief general remarks as we think appro- 
priate and most interesting to our patrons. Of course 
there will be some mistakes in so long a list, about 1,300 in 
number, most of whom were strangers to us ; and possibly 
some names have been overlooked, but none intentionally. 

We have given much time and labor in preparing this 
list, having turned page by page the eight large ^'olumes 
of the; Adintant General's reports, nearly 8.ooo pages in 
all, to collect the facts herein contained. 

In looking over these reports we see some of our soldier 
boys charged with desertion, which, in some cases, are 
doubtless correct, but in many others they are not deserv- 
ing of this grave charge, hence for fear of doing injustice 
none will be thus reported in this work. 

The Mexican Soldiers, 

More than a third of a century has winged its flight 
into the mighty past since the brave boys that composed 



5o8 HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 

Company "D" of the ''Fifth Indiana Vohinteers" of fool 
soldiers, under Captain James R. Bracken, commanded 
by Coh)nel James IT. Lane, bid a final adieu to Mexican 
soil and scenes and the hardships of war and started for 
their homes in the distant North, and yet there still lives 
among us a number who bear the names found on the fol- 
lowing roll, while the greater part, howe\'er, are with us 
onl}' in memory, their spirits having flown to fairer lands,, 
and their bodies lie mouldering in the dust. 

Thirty-five years ago, during the month of September, 
in the little town (now city) of Greenfield, there was 
organized by Captain James R. Bracken, in compliance 
with the call of the President, a company of brave boys ; 
strong men who dared to leave all at their country's call 
and risk their lives upon Mexican soil. 

Hancock has since sent numy companies to her coun- 
try's defense, but perhaps she will never have the honor 
of furnishing a braver, stronger, taller, nobler, grander 
company of men to fight her battles than Company "D" ot" 
the Fifth Indiana Infantry. 

In order that there might be no mistakes in the roll, 
and no injustice done, the writer took a day to visit the 
office of James R. Carnahan, Adjutant General, at Indian- 
apolis, and through the kindness of John P. Patterson, 
Esq., was enabled to find the original records and muster- 
out rolls of the company, from which the following facts- 
were carefully gleaned : 

The company was called into the service of the United 
States by the President, James K. Polk, under the act ot' 
Congress, approved May 13, 1846, at Madison, Indiana, 
the place of general rendezvous, on the 8th day of Octo- 
ber, 1847, to serve during the war with Mexico, unless; 
sooner discharged. 

The company after its organization in Greenfield, dur- 
ing the month of September, went to Indianapolis, Indi- 
ana, in wagons, thence on flat cars, on the first railroad 
in the State, to Madison, Indiana, a distance of one hun- 
dred and ten miles. 



PATRIOTISM OF IIAXCOCK COUNTY. 



509 



MusTER-OuT Roll. 



OFFICERS. 



"Colonel — James H. Lane. Dead. 
Captain— James R. Bracken. Killed on Jef- 

fersonviUe II. K. 
First Lieutenant — Andrew M. Patterson. 

Livina: in Carthage, Missouri. 
■Second Lieutenant — James Hamilton. Died 

in Missouri. 
Third Lieutenant— Hugh J. Kelly. Died 

at Indianapolis. 
First Sergeant — Micajah Francis. Dead. 
Second Sergeant — Henry Ramsey. Dead. 



Third Sergeant — Hawkins Branham. Liv- 
ing in Greenfield, 

Third Sergeant — Isaac Templin. Died in 
Greenfield. 

Corporal — Lewis T. Osborn. Recently 
Superintendent county farm. 

Corporal — William Foster. Died in Libby 
Prison. 

Corporal - Robert Waller. Dead. 

Corporal — Robert Smith. L's in Jackson tp. 

Musician — Henry Galloway. Dead. 



PRIVATES. 



Anderson, Joseph. Dead. 
Andis, Alexander. Living in Center tp. 
Andis, Robert P. Lives in Kansas. 
Arnold, Jared. Dead. 
Banks, William, Died at home. 
Conaway, Kzra. Died at home. 
■Cohee, Jacob. Knlisted from Rush county 
Corbin, Jas. Knlisted from Rush county 
•Carr, Harvey. Enlisted from Rush county 
Cook, Moses B. Died in Green township. 
■Chapman, Cicero. Died at home. 
■Ch.ipman, John. Living. 
Chapman, Samuel. Lives in California. 
Caldwell, Robert H. Dead. 
Carr, James H. Lives in Greenfield. 
Carr. Xoah. Dead. 

Childers, John. Lives in Brown township. 
'Chapman, William H. Dead. 
D.aily, William. Dead. 
Denney, Alfred. Lives in Vernon tp. 
Elsberry, Miles. Died in Center tp. 
Ferree. Isaac M. From Rush co. — dead. 
Flowers, Andrew J. B. Dead. 
•Grav, James H Dead. 
(Jaston, William R. Dead. 
-Gobble, James. Dead. 
Hendren, Jeremiah. L. in Blue-river tp. 



Huntington, James. Died in Greenfield. 
Jones, William C. Dead. 
Johnston, George W. Dead. 
Jones, Hiram. Dead. 

[acobs, W'm. K. Bailiff, from Jackson tp. 
Jordon, William. Dead. 
.Jackson, Burto W. Dead. 
Kinghan, James. Lives in Jasper co, 
Kauble, Solomon. Lives in Missouri. 
Lineback, Thomas. Lives in Greenfield, 
I^iming, John L. Dead. 
Liining, Samuel. Dead. 
Lindsev, Richard. Dead. 
Martin, Henry. Dead. 
Mitchell, Wm. (not the printer.) Dead. 
Maston, Thomas. Dead. 
Pierson, Edward. Lives at Indianapolis. 
Reed, James. Died at Irvington. 
Romack, Robert. Died in Grant co. 
Roberts, John. Lives in Brandy wine tp. 
Richardson, Howard. Dead. 
Scott, Newton. Lives in Center tp. 
Scott, John L. Died in Missouri. 
Tvner, Hiram. Died in Center tp. 
Trion,John. From Rush co. — dead. 
Slioate, Jesse. Dead. 



Let the reader remember that the above hst is as copied 
from the muster-out roll at IndianapoLs, which of course 
is not so full as the muster-in roll, which seems to have 
been lost. We have been able, however, by careful inquir}', 
to add the followinsf names to the above list : 



Black, William. 
Chapman, Joseph. 
Childers, Sylvester. 
Cook, Alexander. 
Flowers, Washington. 
Furgason, John. 
Green, John. 
Galloway, Henry. 
Goodwin, Henry. 



Goodwin, Daniel. 
Hatfield, Templeton. 
Hubble, James. 
Jones, William. 
Jones, John B, 
Jameson, Mr. 
Montgomerv, James 
Marsh, Rigby. 
Marsh, Eli. 



McClellan, Hugh. 
Nugen, Jefferson. 
Pauley, Andrew. 
Parks. James. 
Russell, Mr. 
Street, George. 
Smith Robert. 
Swain, George ^V'. 
Tooley, George. 



/Remarks. — There are perhaps a few names still omitted, 
but when the "General Roll is Called" the}* will all be 
there. 

Pay-RoU. — The records show that the first and forego- 
ing list of soldiers received more or less pay, except the 



5IO HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 

following: John Arnold, Samuel Chapman, James Hun- 
tington, Jesse Shoate and Eli Marsh, each of whom is 
marked "pay due from enlistment." 

Died. — James Montgomer}', at Encero, June 15, 1848; 
Eli Marsh, at Pueblo, Feb. 28, 1848; Daniel Goodwin, at 
sea, July 4, 1848 ; James Parks, on Mississippi river, July 
14, 1848; William Black, on Mississippi river, July 14, 
1848. 

Mustered- 1)1. — All of Company' "D," except one, were 
mustered in October 8, 1847, at Madison, Indiana, by 
Lieutenant Rodman. John Chapman was mustered in 
June 15, 1847, at Fort Clark, by Colonel Churchill. 

Mustcred-Out, — Company "D" was mustered out as a 
company July 28, 1848, and honorably discharged from 
the services of the United States. 



Three Months Men. 

Trouble had been brewing some time between the 
Northern and the Southern sections of our country, but 
each hesitated to strike the first blow ; finalh^, however, the 
South, having the advantage in preparation, opened the 
conflict by firing on Fort Sumter, April 14, 1861. On 
the following day President Lincoln issued a proclama- 
tion commanding all in arms against the Government to 
disperse in twenty days, and calling seventy-five thousand 
volunteers to defend Washington, and also called an extra 
session of Congress to meet July 4, following. Each 
section now hastened belligerent preparations with vigor. 
The news of the downfall of Fort Sumter spread like 
wild-fire ; the people everywhere were wild with excite- 
ment, yet neither section foresaw the magnitude of the 
coming crisis, and neither anticipated a long, deadly 
struggle that would involve three million men ; cost the 
life-blood of more than half a million of her best citizens, 
and an expenditure by the National Government of $4,- 
000,000,000. Conseqviently the first call by the Federal 
Government was but for seventv-five thousand men for 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



I I 



three months, and the following day, April i6th, the Con- 
federate Government called for thirty-two thousand. 
Hancock coimty responded promptly to the various calls, 
and on April 22, i86r, just 013 week from the date of the 
first demand, the following H^t of three months men were 
mustered in, and served till August 6, 1861, when they 
were regularly mustered out : 



Captain. 
Kcuhen A. Riky. 

First Lieutenant. 
John Stephenson. 

Sergeants. 

Marion Stephenson, 
Petitia Bond. 
John Kdwards. 



Jacob Mullen, 
George P. Stt-phenson. 
Sylvester L. Shorn. 

PiiTatcs. 

Alexander, William W 
Allison, John S. 
Anderson, Lnsettus. 
Harrett, Jacoli T. 
Hond, Henjainin. 
IJrown, Arthnr B. 
BuihanaTL fan-es. 
Clayton, |:inies L. 



C imphell, William. 
Chapman, Martin V. 
Dav, Thomas. 
Dipper, Charles. 
Dobbins. Jesse D. 
Dunn, Martin. 
Dvc, Frederick. 
Dve, John, Jr. 
Dve, Samuel. 
Elliott, Benjamin. 
Ellis, Orlando. 
Gapen, Alfred. 
Gapen, William. 
Harrison, lahez E. 
Hartner, Charles. 
Hill. A\illiam C, 
Hook. Jacob. 
Hutton, Aaron. 
Jackson, Milton. 
Jr>liiisor, (leorj^e W. 
lonc-s, llcnrv 
Jones, NaacT. 
Ii>nes. Thomas S. 
La )'irle. Miller J. 
I-lpsicoirh. (Jeorae L. 
I.vnam. John .\. 
Marsh. Scth 
.Martin, Lot W. 



M-.irtin, Tliomas M. 
McName, (jeorfre F. 
McKelvev. Jasper C. 
Market, Henrv. 
M -rford, John" A. 
Pliilpott, "Marion. 
Pope, John. 
Pope, Newton. 
Reeves, James S. 
Renieshart, Nicholas. 
Raulinpfs, Jasper. 
Rynerson, George. 
Scott, William H. 
Scott, William J. 
Shellhouse, Conrod IL 
Short, Josheph T 
Short, AVilliam l^L 
Sleeth. Aaron A. 
Slifer, Lafayette A. 
Slifer, I^evi. 
Smith, (jeorge W. 
Stutsman. Andrew. 
Sullivan. C:ilvin. 
Travis. Geor^J^e W. 
True, David N. 
Tuttle, Elijah. 
Flrev, David. 
Wolf, John. 



Wounded and Died. — Marion Stephenson died July, 
20, i85i, of wounds, at Rich Mountain, Virginia. James 
Buchanan, wounded at Rich Mountain, Virginia, July 11, 
1861. Samuel Dye died of wounds at Indianapolis, May 
18, 1861. Andrew Stutsman, wounded at Rich Mountain, 
Virginia, Julv 11, 1861. 



List of Officers and Soldiers of tlie Civil War. 



Name and Rank. 



General. 

Oliver P. Gooding- 

Lieutenant- Colonel. 
Solomon D. Kempton. 

Majors. 

John G. Dunbar 

M'illiam R. AValls.... 

John S. Edwards 

.Solomon D. Kempton. 

Captains. 

William R. Walls.. 
Samuel H. Dunbar. 
Philander H. Smith 
Stephen A. Jones. . . 
Thomas B. Noel ... 
James Hueston 



Co. 



RESIDUARY BATTALION 

First Lieutenants. 

William F. Foley 

Lewis C. Ackerman.. 
A'inton G. HoUiday . . . 
Joseph L. Hartley 

Captains, 

John A. Craft 

Isaac T. Earl 

John G. Dunbar 

James II. Carr 

George Taffue 

Robert P. Andis 

Isaiah A. Curry 

First Lieutenants. 

William G. Hill. ... 
Solomon T. Kaubie. 

George Black 

Samuel II. Dunbar... 

Philander Smith 

Stephen A. Jones ... 
Solomon D. Kempton 

Easily Helms 

Jonathan Dunbar ... 
Taylor W. Thomas. 
Joseph B. Atkison . . . 

First Lieutenants. 

John G. Dunbar 

Solomon T. Kaubie. . . 
■William H. Pilkiton.. 

George Tauge 

Robert P. Andis 

Isaiah A. Currv 

John M. Alley." 

[(iscph L. Ha'rtlev 

John A. Craft . .' ... 

Isaac Earl 

John C. Hardin 

joluiB. Howard 

Joseph \'. llinchman. 



Reg. 



Date of 
Muster. 



Remarks. 



Aug. 20, '61 
Aug. 19, '61 



May 15, '61 
Aug, 12, '6; 



2 Cav. Sept. 20, '61 
2Cav. Sept. 20, '61 
2 Cav. Sept. 20, '61 
19 Sept. 20, '61 



57 1 July 30, '62 
57 



Aug. 22, '62 
Jan. 22, '62 



Dec. 30, '61 
Aug. 25, '61 



12 Apr. 23, "61 
12 .Xug. )6, '62 
51 Keb. 22, "62 
53 Mar. 12, '62 
S3 May 21, '62 



5 Cav. 

2 Cav. 
99 
99 
99 
99 
>9 
57 



Aug. 
Sept. 

Aug. 
Aug. 



June i6, '62 



.•)/ 



9 Cav. 
9Cav 
gCav. 



Promoted Major February 7, 1S63. 

Maj. Sec'd Cav., mustered out with Reg. 
Promoted Lieut. Col., Aug. 16, 1862. 



Resigned Jan. 7, '63, re-entered 9th Cav 
Died of disease July 9, 1S64. 
Honorably discharged May 4, 1S64. 
Mustered out August 8, 1S65, 
Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
Died Oct. 13, '64. Disease contracted i 
prison. 



Resigned April 26, 1862. 
Resigned September 11, 1S62. 
Trf 'd to Co. A, mustered out May 
Discharged May i, 1S62. 



Resigned March 25. 1S63, disability. 
Promotedjune 12,1865. 
Promoted Major February 7, 1863. 
Resigned January 21, 1S63. 
Honorably discharged January 5, 1864. 
Hon. discharged Dec. 14, '64, wounded. 
Mustered out with regiment. 



Drowned in river at Vicks. June 3, 1864. 

Resigned Dec. 26, '61, re-entered 5th Cav. 

Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 

Promoted Captain. 

Promoted. 

Promoted. 

Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

Honorably discharged March 4, 1S64. 

Kesigned'March 26, 1S62. 

Resigned March 4, 1S63. 

Died N'ov. 17, "62, wounds at Hatchc. 



Promoted Captain. 

Resigned May 3, 1863. 

Mustered out with regiment. 

Promoted Captain. 

Promoted Cajitain. 

Promoted Captain January 6, 1864. 

Mustered out with regiment. 

Promoted Captain Fi-bruary 13, 1S63. 

Promoted Captain. 

Promoted Captain March 19, IS65 



Discharged May 17, iS<^'3. 



5H 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Name and Rank. 



Co. 



Reg. 



Date of 

Muster. 



Remarks. 



Second Lieutenants. 

Samuel II. Dunbar 

William G. Hill 

Philander Smith 

-Nicholas Milncr 

James Hutton . 

Joseph L. Hartley 

Seth Marsh 

Samuel Marsh 

Wallace W. Ragan... 

I^ee (). Harris 

William H. Pilkiton... 

Robert P. Andis 

Isaiah A. Curry 

Henry Miller 

James R. Brown 

Privates. 

Alexander, AV'illiam W 
Anderson, John D 
Askins, William T. 
Alexander, Wm. .. 
Adams, David .... 
Alyea, Andrew J.. 

Alvea, John A 

Alfont, Albert. 

Alexander, Beniam 

.\lney,Eli 

Alley, George 

Adams, Harrison H 
Alt, Christopher. . . . 
Alexander H. F.. . . 
Allison, Samuel B . 
Allison, Richard 
Applegate, Samuel . 
Asbury, Elijah . 
Anderson, James D. 
Anderson, Asbury E 
Alexander, Benj. F 

Alyea, Albert 

Anderson, Samuel P 
Allison, Asa H 
Adams, James W. . . 

Alfrey, Isaac 

Alvey, Ransom R. 
Andriok, (ieorgc S. 
Alford , George H . . 
Andis, Alexander.. 
Andrick, Perry H.. 

Avers, Wm. S 

Allen, John M . . . . 
.Vrmstrong, John P. 
Anderson, David L 
Alley, (Jeorge H . . 
.\lley, Samuel D. . . 
Allen, Richard 
.\shcraft Henry B.. 
Ashcraft, Solon C. 

Ash, Henry 

Allen, John M 

.\ndis, Oliver. .... 
.\ndcrson, William. 
Alvey, Ransom R. . 

Ulack, (Jeorge 

Branson, William.. 

Bush, Henry 

Hush, John." 

Brewer, (acoh 

Brooks, Samuel S. . 

Bixler, Xoah 

Bales, Abijah 

Ilrock, John 

Hush, James. .... 



S 
S 

s 

8 
8 
>9 
5' 
S?, 

^ 53 
Cav. 
SCav. 
99 
99 
99 
99 

8 
S 
8 
S 
8 
S 
8 



May 17, '61 
Sept. 19, '63 



Sept. 



9 Cav 
gCav 
9 Cav. 
>3C'v 
i3C'v 

"4 
66 

75 
^ 79 
SCav 
5 Cav 
5 Cav 
5 Cav. 
SCa 

99 

JOG 
100 

99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
144 

92 
148 

5' 

'I 
8 
8 
8 
S 
8 
8 
8 
S 



Aug. 21; 
Aug. 25 
Aug. 25 
Aug. 25 
.\ug. 25 
Aug. 25. 
Aug. 8 
May IS 
May IS 
May IS 
Aug. I's 
Aug. 15 
Aug. IS 
July 21 
July 28 
Aug. S. 
Aug. 17 
Aug. 17 
Dec. 9, 
Nov. 13 
\ov. 13 
Jan. II 
t)ec. 23 
Mar. 6, 
Aug. ig, 
Julv 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 16, 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 16 
Aug. 13 
Aug. IS 
Aug. IS 
Aug. I3 
Aug. 13 
Aug. 13 
Aug. 13 
Aug. 13 
Feb. 2, 
Aug. 13 
Feb. 17 
Feb. 22 
Aug. IS 
Aug. 2S 
Aug. 25 
Aug. 2s 
Aug. 2s 
Aug. 2S 
Aug. 2S 
Aug. 1^ 
Aug. 25 
Sept. s 
Sept. s 



Promoted October i, 1862. 

Promoted to Captain. 

Died July 27, 1S64, from wounds. 

Promoted First Lieutenant, Jan. 30, 1865. 

Res. Nov. 27, '62; re-entered istLt. 148th. 

Promoted First Lieutenant, April 30, 1864. 

Promoted First Lieutenant. 

Promoted First Lieutenant. 

Honorably disch.arged Feb. 13, i86s. 

Mustered out with regiment. 



Died July 26, 1S63, at Memphis. 

Mustered out September 4, 1864. 

Died at Cjeorgetown, Mo., Oct. 13. 1S63. 

Mustered out September 4, 1864. 

Died at St. Louis, October, 1S62. 

Died a'. St. Louis, December 18, iS(''2. 

Veteran June 4, 1865. 

Mustered out May ig, 1862. 

Mustered out May 19, 1862. 

Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

Discharged Augu.st 4, 1S62. 

Mustered out May 19, 1862. 

Mustered out May ig, 1862. 

Discharged January i, 1863. Wounds. 

Mustered out June 8, 1865. ■ 

Mustered out jui.e 8, 1865. 

Mustered out June 8, 1865. 

Mustered out June 8, 1865. 

Di.scliary:ed .\ugust 2, 1865. Corporal. 

Discharged June 13, i86^. S^ergeant. 

Mustered out August 28, 1865. 

Mustered out Nov. iS, 186s. Sergeant. 

Mustered out May 13, 1865. 

Mustered out |une 20, i'-6s. 

Mustered out June 16, i86s. 

Discharged November 15, 1862. 

Mustered out June 7, i86s. Corporal. 

Mustered out May 19, 186s. 

Mustered out Sept. is, 1865. Sergeant. 

Mustered out Septemeer 15, 1865. 

Mustered out Sept. 15, 1865. Corporal. 

Discharged. 

Promoted Lieutenant. 

Discharged May 3, iS6s. 

Discharged December 31, 1S64. 

Mustered out May 22, 186?. 

Died September 4, 1S64. Wounds. 

Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

Mustered out June s. i86s. 

Promoted First Lieutenant. 

Mustered out September s, lS6s. 

Veteran. Mustered out Dec. 13, 1865. 

Mustered out June 7, iS6s. 

Mustered out l-'irst Lieut., .^ug. 28, 1865. 

Mustered out September 4, 1864. 
Mustered out September 4, 1S64. 
jDied at Otterville, January 12, 1861. 
I Vet. Discharged July 28, "65. Disability. 
Died at Otterville, December 26, 1861. 

I Veteran. Mustered out August 26, 1865. 
Veteran. Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



515 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 

Hakcr, Jolin . . . , 

JUirris, llciiry II .... 

Urock, John 

Bartlow, Jos. F 

Hundy, Jonathan 

Uanta, Albert 

Holancler, John II 

IJranllintfur, Jacob 

Krif^fjs, James M 
Hantreen, Hammer L 

nrisjht, Wni. F 

Burris, John C 

Butcher, Isaac N .... 
Bannon, Abraham D.. 

Burris, Lewis C 

Uelville, (iranville .. 

Uarnarct, James 

Boone, ]olin B 

Bannon, jolin II 

Bannon, Thomas B .. 
Bannon, William C... 
Brant linfj^er, John 

Brown, Abner 

Brown, Benjamin .... 

Brooks, John 

Bucv, Anion 

Bills, Nel.-on 

Bolander, William II.. 
Brantlinger, William. 

Hell, Aaron 

Boyer, James G 

Burris, Tliomas 

Burris, Moses 

Burris, Taylor M 

Banks, James K 

Brooks, Joseph .. . 

Bartlow, Oliver H 

Burk, Daniel 

Burris, Eden 

Boyer, William 

Bover, J< reniiah 

By'ers, William T... . 

Uoyer, Samuel 

Bennett, David O 

Rogg^, John 

Bennett, John 

Bailey, (Jeorge S .... 
Hyfield, Frederick W.. 

Bush, Leroy 

Barrett, Jacob T 

Burris, James 

Buchanan, Henry 

Beechel, Jacob ..... 
Hartlow, Cornelius V 

Bevel, Henry H 

Barr, John 

Mlack, Eli 

Hurk, Joseph 

Barr, Henry. 

Brooks, Melvin 

Brinegar, Thomas J... 

Blanton, John 

Brown, Andrew. 
Blessinger. Frederick 

Koyce, James C 

lUirk, Samuel L 

Brooks, Thomas L. . . . 

Hartlow, Oliver 

lU-lvillc, David 

lielville, Landon 

Breecc, John 

Burwick, John 



Co. 



G 

(; 

H 

c 
c 

D 
D 
D 
C 
B 
B 
B 
B 
G 

E 
G 
G 
G 
G 
G 
G 
JI 
H 
H 
II 
H 
II 



Sept. S, 
Sept, 5, 
Sept. s, 
Feb. 14, 
Feb, I.), 
Feb. 2^, 
Feb. 24, 
Feb. 24, 
Feb. 14, 
May ij, 
May 15, 
May 15, 
May 15, 
July 20, 



5/ 

57 
5' 
5' 
57 
57 
S( 
100 
100 
gCav 
yCav 
9Cav 
9Cav 
9l.'av 
y C'av 
yCav. 
9Ca 
'34 

1 34 
"34 
■34 
H 
75 
',9 
',^) 
79 
121 
^6 
26 
3- 

^ ^■^ 
SCav. 

SCav. 

SCav 

SCav 



Date of 
Muster, 



Feb. 
Jan. 

Joiy 

Aug, 
Oct. 
i-eb, 
Aug, 
Aug. 
\ug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 

Sept. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
1-eb. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Die. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Aug, 
Aug. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
Dec. 
Dec. 

May 

May 
May 
May 
May 
Feb 

J"iy 

Aig. 
Aug. 
.\ug. 
Jan. 
sei)t. 
Sept. 
Nov. 
Nov. 
May 
May 
May 
May 



Remarks. 



'65 



15, 


■62 


7> 


'6^ 


24. 


'6^ 


24. 


"4 


■Si 


"(,4 


5i 


<M 


'', 


•62 


(\ 


■()2 


(\ 


'62 


t>. 


"(12 



Mustered out August S, i?6s. 
Died at Milvan, I-a., April 3, 1863. 
Transferred from C<i. B, Feb. 7, 1S64. 
Mustered out September 28, iS'65, 
Muttered <iut September 2S, iSfiJ. 
Mustered out SeiAember 28, 1865, 
Died at Shield's Mills, April 16, 1865. 
Mustered out September 28, 1S65, 
Mustered out September 28, 1865. 
Mustered out September 28, 1865. 
Mustered out Se] te-nbcr 28, 1^65. 
Mustered out September 28, 1^05. 
Mustered out September 28, 1865, 
Died at Fortville, January 25, 1^64, 

Mustered out Sept. 28, 1865. Sick. 

Died at Scoltsborough, Jan. 28, 1S64. 

Died at Camp Sheriiian, Aug. 12, 1863. 

Discharged June 12, 1802. Wounds. 

Died at vVaterloo, November i, 1863. 

Translerred to 4Sth regiment. 

Transferred to 4Slh regiment. 

Died at Memphis, February 4, 1S64. 

Killed at Kenesaw, June 25, 1S64. 

Died at Scoltsborough, April 21, 1S64. 

Died at Anderson, November 14, 1863. 

Discharged July 28, iHi3. 

Mustered outjune 8, 1805. 

Muttered outjune 8, 18^15. 

Mustered outjune 8, 1865. 

Mustered out b.epteinber 6, 1865, 

Mustered out 1865, 

Died at Nathviile, November 28, 1862. 

Di. charged June 25, 1862, by order. 

Mustered out with regiment. 

Missing in aclii,n at Stone river. 

Discharged Nov. 5, 18O2. Disability. 

Vet. Mustered out Dec. 14. 1865, Serg't. 

Veteran. Mustered out March 9, 1865. 

Veteran. 

Discliarged January 22, 1S62. 

Veteran. Died of wounds, July 28,1864. 

Vet. Mustered out Dec. 14, ii65. Corporal. 

Mustered outjune 29, 1865. 

Mu.'tered outjune 29, iXif,. 

Died at (jallatin, 1-ebruary 10, 1865. 

Discharged June 1(1, 1^65. 

Dischaiged June 29, 1S65. 

Muttered out August 28, 1865. 

Vet. Mustered out July 21, 1865, Serg't, 

Mustered out Aujjusl 28, 1865. 

Discharged July 18, iSi'S- 

Never lm^^tered. 

Mustered out — term expired. 

Mustered out — term expired, 

Musteied out — term expired. 

Mu-'teied out — term expired. 

Muhtired oul — term expired. 

Mustered out Auj^ust 11, 1865. 

Mustered outjune 8, 1865. 

Died at Huttonvilhr, January 29, '86^. 

Mustered out June 7, 18^5. 

Mustered outjune 7, 18(5. 

I-ost on Sultana, April 27, 1865. 

Mustered out September 6, l^o5, 

Mustered out September 6, 1865, 

Mustered out July 15, 1865. 

Mustered out June, 1865. 

Mustered outjune i(S, 1865. 

Di.-chaiged December lO, 1862. 

Died at Louisville, May 5, 1863. 



5i6 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



Name and Rank. 



Co. 



Date of 
Muster. 



Privates. 

Biirris, Marion T .... 
Brizendine, Francis M 

Barrett. Kicliard J 

Baldwin, Joseph 

Barrett, A)inustus M.. 
Blakely, (Jeor^e W, . 
Blakely, Natlianiel H. 

Bright, Smith 

Bnssel, James 

Butterfield, Lorain ... 

Butcher, John J.. 

Brown, James R 

Baldwin, Garrett 

Baldwin, Jonathan 

Boman, Josepli C 

Berry, James M 

Brooks, Thomas L... 

Bixber, David 

Baker, James M 

Bracken, William 

Busey. Charles W.... 

Bennett, Calvin 

Bennett George "\V . . . 

Bird, Adam 

Brown, Lewis II 

Beeson, John 

Bidgooa, Stephen 

Beeson, Amos C . 

Chittenden, John S. . . . 
Clapper, Charles II .. . 

Collins, Levi 

Cooper, James W 

Cupp, Henry M 

Cotrell, Samuel P..... 

Clark, George W 

Collins, Darius 

Clampet, Kdward 

Cooper, Ezckiel B 

Currv, Milton 

Crosley, Ahner 

Crosley, yosei)h L... 

Collins, I lenrv 

Cottrell, ]ohn'C 

Clark, John 

Cottoen, Davis 

Cottrell, Thomas .... 

Chitwot)d, Robert ... 

Crosley, (ames H . . 

Camp, N'ichodcmus. . 

Camp, William 

Camp, Joseph D 

Camp, George W 

Cantwell, James 

Cly, Abraham N 

Clark, John 

Croslev, Robert 

Cahill, John 

Carroll, George 

Carroll, John W 

Colburn, Mauley .... 

Cunningham. James. . 

Conner, Moses 

Collins, Alpheus T... 

Curry, William 

Cross, Kbenezer 

Creveston, Cvrus W. 

Campbell, William... 

Cad V, Thomas 

Craft, John A 

Carroll, Henry 

Chandler. George L. . 

Craft, Homer 



SCav. 
Cav 
9V 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
>32 

^i 

MS 

148 

148 

14S 

1 48 

148 

1 48 

14S 

79 

79 

79 

»9 

8 

S 

9 



9C 



Aug. 12, 
Dec. 28, 
A.ug. 13, 

Aug. 13, 
Aug 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Mar. 23, 
Mar. 2%, 
April 8, 
May iS, 
Nov, 5, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb, 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
F"eb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
July 20, 
Mar. II, 

Aug. 25, 
Aug- 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Feb. 24, 

May ij, 
Mav 15, 
May 15, 
May IS, 
May IS, 
Aug.'ig, 
Sept. 6, 
Aug. 31, 
Mar. is, 
Aug. 9, 
July 23, 
July 2.?i 
lulv 23, 
July 23, 
Fe6. 12, 
Aug. 17, 
Aug. 17, 
Aug. 17, 
Aug. 17, 
Mar 15, 
Jan. I, 
-Sept. 24, 
Oct. 25, 
Sept. 24. 
Sept. 24, 
Sept. 24, 
Nov..<io, 
Sept. 24, 
Sept. 24, 
Sept. 24, 
Dec. 14, 
Dec. 14, 
Dec. 14, 
Feb. 22. 
Sept. 16. 
Dec. n, 
Dec. 13. 
Sept. 10, 
Sept. 10, 



'63 Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 
'63 Mustered out June 15, 1865. 
"62 Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 
62 Discharged October 5, 1*63. 
62 Discharged December 31, 1863. 
'62 Discharged December 31, 1863. 
62 Died F'eBruarv 13, 1863. 
62 Killed in battfe, June 3, 1S63. 
621 Died November 10, 1S63. 
"62 Mustered out August 9, 1S65. 
'62|Mustered out June 5, 1865. 
'62! Mustered out June 5. 1865. 
'64iTransferred to 4Sth reg't. May iS, 1865. 
'64iTransfened to 4Sth reg't, Mav iS, 1S65. 
'64:Transferred to 4Sth reg't. May 18, 1S65. 
'61|Mustered out — term expired. 
'64 Mustered out July 1S1 1S65. 
'65 Mustered out — term expired. 
'65 Mustered out — term expired. 
'65 Mustered out — term expired- 
"65 Mustered out — term expired. 
'65 Mustered out — term expired. 
"65 Mustered out — term expired. 
'65 Mustered out — term expired. 
'65 Mustered out September 5, 1S55. 
'64 Mustered out June 24, 1865. 
'6.;; Mustered out May, 11, 1S65. 

Discharged Februarys, 1865, wounds, 
'62 Promoted to First Lieutenant. 
'61 Mustered out September 4, 1864. 
'61 Mustered out September 4, 1864, 
'62 Mustered out September 4, 1864. 

'61 Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
'61 Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
'61 Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
'61 Mustered out May 19, 1862. 

Mustered out May 19. 1862. 

Killed at Richmond, Ky., August 30, 1S62. 

\'et. Wounded at Cedar Creek. Must. out. 

Vet. Died at New Orleans, Mav 16, 1864. 



Mustered out June 23, iS^v 

Mustered out June 23, iS6c. 

Discharged October 11, 1864. Wounds. 

Discharged January 27. 1864. Disability. 

Mustereil out June 8, 1S65. 

Transferred to 48th regiment. 

Mustered out June 8, 1865. 

Mustered out June 8, 1S65. 

Discharged June 16, 1864. 

Discharged June 16, 1864. 

Mustered out. 

V'eteran from 19th. 

Mustered out September 6, 1S63. 

Mustered out January 15, 1866. 

Mustered out Septeniber 6, 1865. 

Mustered out September 6, 186-;. 

Died at Fort Hudson, Augusts, 1865. 

Mustered out Julv 15, 1865. 

Mustered out Jul'v 15, 1865. 

Mustered out "Julv i\ 1865. 

Died at Xewbern', N. C. May 4, 1S65. 

Discharged June 31, 1S63, by order. 

Died at Nasliville, March 20, 1862. 
. Discharged April 19. 1861;. 
2 X'eteran. Mustered out December 13, 1S05 

Mustered out July 21. 1865. 

ProiuDted to Fir.s't lieutenant. 

Discharged August 12, 1862. 

Discharged October 13,1863. 

Discharged October 13, 1S63. 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



517 



Name and Rank 



Privates. 

Craining: loscph 
C'liirv, kosssille 
(.'oniior, Joseph H . 
Copper. Alexander 

(.'ross. Will. H 

Church. Chas. E 

Crews, Cjeo. \V 

Cancery, Michael.... 

Conneti, David 

Clark, Calvin 

Collins, Samuel E 

Chapman, Wm 

Cooper, Francis M 

Colhn, Edward 

Curry, Allen 

Carroll, Wesley 

Catt. Wilson 

Cox, Philander 

Chappell, Isaac 

Cooper, John \V 

Collins, Cornelius. 
Cooper, Benjamin T.. 

Collins, Reason D 

Chapman, John J 

Chapman, Joseph Z... 

Copcland, John 

Campbell, Charles W. 

Currv, Isaiah A 

Collins, Thomas J 

Collier, Tilghman H.. 

Curry, Andrew 

Cass, James W ' 

Catt, Wesley S 

Catt, William 

Collins, John H 

Curry, William 

Cook, James A 

Currv, Zachariah B... 

Chappell, William 

Chappell. John W 

Clefig, Antlrew 

Crosley, William 

CampBell, Charles W 

Clements, Lansford... 

Coble, Martin 

Carson, David 

Cochran, Oliver P 

Curry, William 

Carmichael, John C... 

Curtnev, John 

Clark, 'David 

Christian, Francis M., 

Carroll, Henrv 

Cunninjjham, James D 

Colburii, Manley 

Conner, Moses 

Davis, James H 

Dunbar, Samuel 

Dean, Jonathan 

Dove, David M 

Davis, John S 

Dipperv, Charles E... 

Dove, William C 

Derry , James 

Derry, Alexander ... 

Dinkle, Jacob 

Dinkle, Thomas 

Dixon, George W. .. 
Davidson, George M. 

Dorman, John 

Davis, Joseph 

Dillman, Samuel H.. 




Remarks, 



63 Discharged May 30, 1S65, Blacksmith. 
6^ Mustered out August 26, 1S6:;, Corporal. 



g CavXo' 
9 Cav Nov, 



9 Ca 
9 Cav 
>3 Cv 

13-1 
"34 
134 



Nov. 13, 

Nov. 13, 

Dec. 23, 

May 24, 

May 24, 

May 24, 

., . Mav 24, 

1341 May 24, 

i34lMav 24, 

791 Aug. 15, 

70! .Vug. 15, 

79; Aug. 15, 

79 .\ug. 15, 

7vjAug. ic, 

5 Cav I Aug. 16, 

Cav j Aug. 16, 

^ Cavi.\ug. 16, 

5 Cav ,.\ug. 16, 

S Cav I Aug. 16, 

% Aug. 13 



Mustered out August 2S, 1S65. 
Mustered out June 8, iSfij. 
Mustered out June S, 1S65. 
Lost on April 25, 1S65. 
Discharo^cd Januarv 29, 1S65. 
Died, Vicksburg, March 4, 1S65. 
Di-scharged December 24, 1.S64. 
Died, Indianapolis, April S, 1S63. 
Mustered o>it November iS, iS6v 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Died in Louisville July 19, 1863. 
Lost on Sultana April 27, 1865. 

Discharged November ig, 1863. 

Mastered out June 7, 1S65. 

Died, Andersonville Pri.son, Januarv, "65 

Discharged January 20, 1S63. 

Mustered out, September 15, 1865., 



Aug. 13, 

Aug. 13. 

Aug. 13, 

.Vug. 13, 

99|Aug. 13, 

9i,,|Aug. 13, 

99 Aug. 13, 

99 Aug. 13, 

99|Mar. 23, 

99 Mar. 23, 

51 1 Feb. 2, 

SilFeb. 2, 

S'ljan. J3, 

7o[Jan. 25, 

SCavjJan. 5, 

i4S|Keb. 



Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 

Promoted Cap. Mustered out with Co. 
'62|Died, March 29, 1S63. 
62 Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 

Discharged June 5. 1S65, Sergeant. 

Missing in action May 28, 1S64. 



1 48 
148 

14^ 
.48 
14S 
148 
148 
14S 
34 
3? 
3*^ 
38 



Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 3, 
Feb. 9, 
Feb. 9, 
Nov. 4, 
Sept. 24, 
Nov. 10, 
Sept. 24, 
Sept. 17, 
Dec. 30, 
;iiFeb. 22, 
S.Sept. s, 



Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

Mustered out June j, 18(15. 

Died May iS, 1S64. 

Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

Died April 27, 1S64. 

Died April 25, 1864. 

Veteran, mustered out December 13, '65. 

Veteran, mustered out December 13, '6^. 

64 Mustered out September 13, 1S65. 
'62 Discharged January 20, 1863, 

'64 Mustered out June 16, 1S65. 
"65 Mustered out, time expired. 
'65 Mustered out, time expired. 
"65 Mustered out, time expired. 

65 Mustered out, time expired. 
65 Mustered out, time expired. 

'65 Mustered out, time expired. 

'65|Mustered out Septembers, 1S65. 

'65 Mustered out September 5, 1865. 

'65iMustered out September 5, 1865. 

'64 Mustered out June 24, 1865. 

'64 Mustered out June 24, 1S65. 

''64|Mustered out July 15, 1S65. 

'64 Mustered out July 15, 1S65. 

■64 Recruit. 

'6iJCaptain, died of disease July 9, 1S64. 

'62 Resigned Mar. 20, '62. First Lieuten'nt. 

'61 



SIAug. 25, 

?; Aug. 25, 

S Aug. 25, 

8 Aug. 25, 

SIAug. 25, 

S^Vug. 2S, 

Aug. 25, 

Aug. 25, 

Aug, 25, 

Aug. 25, 

S|Aug. 25, 



Veteran, ir.u.stered out August 2S, 1865. 
Veteran, mustered out August 28, 1865. 

Mustered out September 4, 1S64. 

Discharged August 6, 1865. 

Veteran, mustered out August 28, I863. 

V^eteran, mustered out August 28, 1S65. 

Mustered out September 28, 1864. 

Discharged September 24, 1S62, disability, 

Veteran. 



5i8 



HISTORY OF IIAN'COiJK COUNTY 



Name and Rank. 



ICo. 



Privates. 

Dennis, Simeon . . . . 
Davidson, James S . 
Dillman, Oliver . 
Davidson, Henry S . 
Dexterson. Newton. . 

Dowling, James 

Davis, Lewis C 

Deiiney, George .... 

Dnnliar, John G 

Dobbins, Alfred 

Dunham, James 
Davidson, David 11 ., 

Davis, James 

Davi.s, John 

Davis, Christopher . . . 

Duncan, Henry C 

Dorman, James 

Duncan, John H 

Despo, Odel 

Duncan, Ephraim C 

Dunn, Andrew 

Drake, John. . . . . 

Dngan, George W 

Dennev, Philip 

Dille,Georsre J 

Dcnney, Enos 

Douglas, Tunis 

Day, John 

Dye, John 

Davidson, Jonas II . . 
Daugherty, William. 
Davis, Nimrod M . .. 
Duncan, (Jeorge W . . 

Davis, Jacob 

Dickey, Thomas W . . 

Decamp, Samuel 

Dismore, John 

Dickson, "Milo 

Dawson, Henry L . . . 
Dunlap, Robert M . . 
Dot-man, Williun . . . 

Dobbins, Jolin \V 

Dawson, Abrani. . . . . 
Dawson. William L.. 

Daily. Wiley 

Ellsbury,Fred II .... 

Everson. Amos 

Karl, John J 

KUis, John W 

Endecut, Thonnis H . . 

Edwards, Henry. 

EUenwood, Wm. H.. 

Elliott, Benjamin 

Earl, Isaac 

Everett, Charles 

Elmore, James 

Eakes, Joseph R 

Kakes, Andrew J 

Elmore, Wm. P 

Egger, John 

Everson, Jacol) 

Edmonds, Henry E. . . 
l>"oley, Alexander.... 

I'"ountain, Ira B. 

l<"uller, Andrew J 

Faucet, Robert 

Frederick, Henry.... 

Forgcy, Andrew 

Forgey, Hugh 

Fortester, George.... 

F'errin, Jerre 

I'ort, Lorenzo D 



Reg. 



26 



Date of 
Muster. 



Feb. 14, 
Keb. 14. 
Feb. 24, 
Aug. ^1, 
May Is, 

.l^''y 4, 

Keb. 24, 
Aug. 3, 



Aug. 3, 
Mar. 7, 
Aug. 17. 
Sept. 17, 
Sept. 17, 
Sept. 17, 
Dec. 1.,, 
Dec. 14, 
Dec. 13, 
gCav.lDec. 23, 
gCav. Dec. 23, 



gCa 
'.S4 
>.M 
'4? 
14' 
79 



5 Cav 
5Cav 

5 Cav. 

99 

6 Cav 

99 

13-' 

7.S 

51 

.4S 

14S 

14S 

'9 

'9 

'9 



12 
12 

3S 

^ 57 

9 Cav. 

9 Cav. 

■•9 

79 

9 Cav 
100 
132 

34 

S 

s 



Jan 
May 24, 
May 24 
Feli. 14, 
Feb. 14, 
Aug. 15. 
Aug. 15. 
Aug. 20, 
.'Vug. 20, 
.\ug. 20. 
Aug. 20, 
Aug. 13, 
Jan. 5, 
Aug. i.^, 
May iS, 
July 14, 
Ian. 21, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb.^S, 



Remarks. 



Sept. 24, 
Aug. 21, 
Aug. 21, 
Feb. 2S, 
Sept. s> 
May 15, 
Tuly 14, 
Feb. 24, 
Sept. 24, 
Dec. i.j, 
Dec. 9, 
Dec. 9, 
Aug. 15, 
Aug. IS, 
Aug. 15, 
•\ug. 2S, 
Aug. 21, 
May iS, 
Nov. 4, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug 25, 
May 15, 
Feb. 14, 
July 21, 
[uly 21, 
Sept, 17, 
Dec. 4, 
Dec. 13, 



Mustered out September 2'^, "65. 

Mustere 1 out January 2, '(i(\ 

Died at Knoxville. 

Died at Cairo, October 9, '62. 

Mustered out .May 19, '05. 

Mustered out May 19, '65. 

Mustered out January 2, '6'i. 

Mustered out June S, '65. 

Promoted to Major, February 7. Vi;. 

Mustered o>it June 22, "65. 

Transferred to 4Sth regiment. 

Died at Grand Junction, Marcli 10. "n;. 

I'nassigned. 

Mustered out September 6, Y15. 

Mustered out September 6, '6^. 

Died at (jreeutield, J.anuary 8. '62. 

Mustered out December 14, '64. 

Died at Bardstown, Ky., January 3, Y>2. 

Mustered out August 28, '65. Corporal. 

Mustered out August 2'^, "65. 

Died at Pulaski, September iS, "64. 

Mustered out — time expired. 

Mustered out — time e.xpired. 

Mustered out August 4, '65. 

Mustered out August 4, '65. 

Mustered out June 7, '62. 

Mustered out June 7, V'v 



Killed at Huffington. |u!y 19, •(.3. 

Mustered (Hit September i^, '65. 

Transferred to Veteran Reserve Corps. 

Dischar.ed from Andersonville Prison. 

Discharged April S, '64. 

Mustered out — time expired. 

Mustered out June S, "65. 

Mustered out June 4, '65. 

Mustered out — time expired. 

Mustered out — time expired. 

Mustered out — time exjiired. 

Reported killed at Gainesville. 

Died .\ugust 16, "62. 

Died September 2(S. '6.'. 

Died l'"ebruary i, '65. • 

Muslere 1 out September 6, '65. 

Died at St. Louis, December 20, "oi. 

Mustereil out Sei)tend)er 4, '64. 

Mustered out July 26, '65. 

Veteran. Mustered out August 2S, "65. 

Mustered out May 19, "62. 

Discharged .September 2S, '63. Disability. 

Transferred to 4Sth regiment. 

Mustered out June 24, "6c. 

Veteran. Promoted to ^ irst Lieutenant. 

Died at Baton Rouge, June 9, '65. 

Mustered out June 2, '6^. 

Discharged Ajiril iS, '65. 

Died at .Vashville, January 2^, ""3. 

Mustered out June 14, '65. 

Dircliarged November 25. "61. 

Discharged May 3, '65. 

Mustered out — time expiretl. 

Mustered out June, '65. 

Mustered out August 28, '65. Corporal. 

Mustered out May ig, '62, into 79th rcg't. 

Mustered out September 28, '65. 

Killed at Resaca, May 13, '64. CorporaL 

Killed at Resaca, May 13, '64. 

Unassigned. 

Veteran. Mustered out December 13, -65 

Died January i,''63. Wounds. 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



5^9 



Name and Rank. 



Co. 



Date of 
Muster, 



Remakks. 



Privates. 

Kort, Charles H .... 
Fish. Ainericus. . . . 
FLsh, (jranvillc 
Fletcher. Jaincs'lSI.. 
Fletcher. John \V. . . 
Fisk, Othcneal . . . .' 
Foster, Uichard 
Franklin, William J 

Frareer, James 

Font, Morris 

Frost, Richard . . . 
Fletcher, William., 
l-'lo wers, James 
I-'lowers, John N 
I'reclerick, Henry... 
Fitron, Joseph 
Furris, Georsje W . 
Faucet, Robert . . . 
Gilbert, Andrew J . . 

Gapin, Eli 

Gephart, John C . . . . 
Goar. Henry. 
Gobble, lames M .. 
Guinn, Charles C 
Grenier, George W. 
Green Thomas . . . . 
Gunn, Joseph A. . . 
(iardner, Archibald 

Gruder, John 

Gardner. Hiram . . . 
Gappen, Samuel . . . 
Guthrie. James . . . 
Gaffin. Alfred 
Garrett. Heiirv C 
Gil. lis. John 15 
(iriffith", Hiram ... 

(jrifj-sby, Isaac 

(Jray, Joseph H . . . . 

(jri^shy. John 

Garberick. Cjeorge 
Galleher. lohn ... 
Goodintf, William ] 
(jriijsby, Sant'ord .. 
(jilluni, Lewis 
Gant, Henjamin F . . 
Griffith, Thomas H 

GanJ, Henry C 

Gordon, Eli' 

Gordon, Samuel. .. . 
Gibbs, Alonzo M... 

Cirose, John A 

(iriffith. Marquis D 
Griffith, Benjamin F 
Griffith, William E 
Galloway, Jackson 
Gardner, Thomas A 

Gray, David 

Hinds, James H. .. . 

Hook, lohn 

Hill, William 

Huston, Thomas J.. 

Haines, Cyrus 

Haines, F'rancis M. 

Hall, John 

Hudson, Francis II, 
Hendricks, John S.. 
Hays, Francis M . 
iracklcman, John S. 

Hinshaw, Abel 

Herb, Joseph 

Hoar, William 

Hannah, Solomon.. 



57 
57 
47 
57 
57 

121 

79 
79 

5Ca 
'34 
99 
99 
99 



S, 



9 Cav 
9 ("av 
9 Cav 
„75 
5 Cav 
5 Cav 
5 Cav 
t; Cav 
5 Cav 

^57 
5 Cav 

'47 
99 
99 

i^S 

34 
34 
34 
34 

14^ 
II 

5" 
S 
S 

s 
s 
s 
s 

8 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 
9 



Dec. 18, 
Dec. 18, 
Dec. iS, 
Dec. is, 
Dec. iS, 
Jan. z, 
Aug. 15, 
Auij. 22, 
Aug. 22, 
Feb. 27, 
Mav 24, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. ij, 
Aug. 13, 
Feb. 14. 
Feb. 
Dec. 

A"fr „. 

Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
■^"g'- 25, 
Mav 9, 
MaV 26, 
August, 
Aug. 31, 
lune 24, 
May 15, 
July 19, 
Aug. 9, 
Feb. 12, 
Dec. 20, 
Sept. 17, 
Feb. 22, 
Dec. 13, 
Dec. 13, 
Dec. 13, 
Jan. 2, 
Dec. 16, 
Nov. 13, 
July 20, 
Aug. 16, 
Oct. 21, 
Oct. 21, 
Oct. 30, 
Dec. 28, 
Dec. 13, 
Dec. 28, 
Feb. 15, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Feb. 17, 
Sept. 21, 
Sept. 21, 
May 7, 
Nov. 4, 
Aug. I, 
Feb. 17, 
Aug. 31, 
Dec. 14, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Dec. 21, 
July 16, 
Sept. 5, 
Feb, 24, 
Feb. 4, 
Sept. I, 
Sept. 23, 
Sept. 23, 
Sept. 23, 



Mustered out Feb. 5. iSti;. 

Veteran. Mustered out Dec. 14, 186^. 

Veteran. !\Iustered out I-"eli. 5, 186;. 

N'eteran. Eost on Sultana April 27. 1S6:;. 

Mustered out March 1, 1S55. 

Mustered out July 21, 1S65." 

Discharged Sept. i, 1863. 

Discharged Mav 26, 1S63. 

Mustered out June 7, 1865. 

Mustered out June 7. 186^. 

Mustered out. 

Died Feb 



3, 'S63. 
Muster,ed out June : 



i86v 



Mustered out Sept. 28, 1S65. 
Mustered out. 
Mustered out in 1854. 
Mustered out June 7, 1S65. 

Mustered out Sept. 4, 1S64. 
Mustered out June 14, 1865. 

Mustered out August 28, 1865. 

V'eteran. Mustered out June 14, 1S6:;. 

Died \Iemphis, July 7, 1S63. A\ounds. 

Unassigned. 

Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

Killed at Atlanta, July, 1S64. 

Mustered out June iS, 1S6?. Corixnal 

Trans, to 48 Reg. 

Mustered out June iS, 186^ 

Ihiassigned. 

Died at Terre Haute, March 26, 1S62. 

Mustered out March i, 1865. 

Mustered out Feb. 5, 1S65. 

Discharged Mav 16^ 1863" 

Died at Indianapolis. 

Mustered out July 8, 1S65. 

Discharged June 14, 1865. 

Mustered out June 8,1865. Corporal. 

Died at Aladison, May 11, 1S64. 

Mustered out Sei)t. 15', 1865. Corporal. 

Mustered out Sejit. 15, 1S65. 

Trans, to Co. D, Dec. 22, 1S82. 

Mustered out vSept. 16, 1S65. 

\'et. Mustered out Dec. 14^ 1S65. CorpM. 

Died at .\ndersonville, Dec. 3, 1854. 

Mustered out. 

Mustered out July 17, 1855. 

Mustered out July 17, 1S61;. 

Mustered out Se])t. 5, 1835. 

\'et. Mustered out Feb. 23, 1865. Corp'l. 

Vet. Died iit Helena, Oct. 27, 1S62. 



[64;Mustered out Feb. 3, 1865. 
■' Mustered out June, 1S65. 

Mustered out June 4, 1S65. 

Mustered out. 

Vet.^ Mustered out July 26, 1865. Corp'l. 

Died at Jefferson, Mar. 28, 1862. Corp'l. 

Drowne'd at Vicksburg, June 3, 1S64. 

Died at Salene, Mo., Feb. 6, 1863. 

Vet. Mustered out Sept. 8, 1865. Serg"t. 

Vet. Mustered out June 14, 1S65. Corp'l. 

Mustered out July 26, 1865. 

Vet. Mustered out June 14, 1S65. 
'61 Vet. Mustered out Aug. 21, i8^. 
'65 Mustered out Sept. 28, 1S65, 
'65] Never reported, 
'64 Mustered out June i, 1865. 
Y14 Mustered out June 1,1865. 
'64|Mustered out June i, 1865. 
'64 Mustered out June i, 1865. 



;2o 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Name and Rank. 



Privates . 

Haskell, Ulysses P... 
Hug^ancarl, Cloud . 

Hasley, William 

Hidy, Jacob 

Hunter, John 

llidy, Thomas. 

Hiunphrevs. |amus.... 

Hunter, Melf 

Hooker, lacoh 

Horton, filisha 

Hartley, Joseph L 

Holden, Levi 

Harvey, David A 

Hawkins, Reason 

Halley,John V 

Harve)', William 

Henon, Thomas R ... 
Hinchman, Joseph V.. 

Hanlcv, Patrick 

Hudson, Edward 

Hamilton, Mark 

J look, Samuel 

Hook, James 

Hudson, Willis 

Hamilton, Wilson .... 

Hutton, Jo.eph , 

Helms, Ahram J.. .. 
Humbles, William II, 

Hunt, William H 

Hudson, Peter 

Harvev, Charles 

Haskeh, Nathaniel II 

Hutton, Aaron 

Harris, Henry 

Hudson, James 

Holland, Thomas 

Herrod.JohnB 

Hamilton, Charles. 

Hudson, George B... . 
Harlan Samuel II.... 

Harlan, John 3VI 

Hedrick, Peter 

Hedger, Abram 

Howard, Charles 

Harris, Lee O 

Howard, John B 

Hamilton, WiLson 

Harris, Thomas B 

Hansing, Anthony... 

Han sin jr. Henry. . 

Hunt, Elijah 

Hunt, John W 

Hook, Jacob 

Hudson, Benjamin... 

Harris, Henrv 

Henby, )ohnK 

Henby, "Elijah 

Hunt, Nelson, colored 
Hunt, Junius, colored 

Hook, Samuel 

Irish, William O 

Jones, Stephen A 

Jones, Isaac T 

Jones, Thomas 

jack. John 

Jenning, John A 

Jackson, John 

Jordon, James C 

Johnson. Brazelle 

Jones, William II 

Jones, Francis P 



S' 

S' 

^ 57 

gCav. 

gCav. 

gCav. 

9Cav. 

9Cav. 

9Cav. 



Reg, 



Date of 
Muster. 



Remarks. 



Mar. 15, 
Mar. 15, 
June 4, 
Aug. 8, 
Aug. S, 
Aug. 8, 
Aug. S, 
Aug. 8, 
Aug. 8, 
Aug. 8, 
July 19, 

Feb! 22,' 
Feb. 22, 
Dec. 13, 
Dec. 23, 
Dec. 23, 
Nov. 13, 
Nov, 13, 
Nov. 13, 
Nov. 13, 



9 Cav. 

9Cav, 

9 Cav 

9 Cav. 
75 
75 
79 
79 
^ 79 

SCav. 

5 Cav. 

5 Cav. 

5 Cav. 

5 Cav. 
99 
9i 
99 
99 
90 

99 

99 

99 
gCav 



Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 
Dec. 

lulv 

July 

Aug 

Aug, 

Aug 

Aug 

Aug 

Dec. 

Dec. 

Jan. 

Aug 

Aug 

Aug, 

Aug, 

Axig. 

Aug. 

Mar. 

Oct. 

Oct. 

Oct. 

Dec. 

Sept. 

Feb. 

Feb. 

Feb, 

i4SiFeb. 

i4S,F"eb. 
51 Dec. 
Dec. 
Sept. 
Sept. 



1 48 
1 48 
14S 



SCav 

5' 
S' 



July 
May 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
Aug. 
May 
May 
Dec. 



Mustered out May ig, 1S62. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out June 8, 1865, Sergeant. 
Mustered out June 8, 1S65. 
Musiered out June S, 1855. 
Mustered out junc 8, 1S65, Corporal. 
Mustered out June 8, 1865. 
Mustered out Tune 8, 1S65, Sergeant. 
Mustered out June 8, 1S65, Corporal. 
Promoted First Lieutenant. 
Unassigned. 

A'eteran, died Nnshville Dec. 22, 1S64. 
Transferred, invalid corps Dec, 8, 1S63. 
Discharged September 21, 1S62. 
Died, Sulphur Trestle, Sept. 25, 1864. 
Mustered out August 28, 1865. 
Discharged May iS, iS6c, Sergeant. 
Mustered out May iS. 1S65. 
Mustered out May 18, 1S65. 
Died Nashville, January 12,1865. 

Mustered out August 28, 1865. 
Mustered out Jul v 12, 1S65. 
Mustered out July 12, 1S65. 
Killed Sulphur Trestle Sept. 25, 1S64. 
Died Chattanooga December 24, 1863. 
Discharged April 9, 1864. 

Mustej-ed out June 17, 1S65. 

Transferred to iSth Infantry Dec. 22, 1862. 

Mustered out September 15, 1865. 

Mustered outSeptemher 15, 1S65. 

Mustered our September 15, 1865. 

Mustered out September 15, 1865. 

Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 

Discharged for promotion. 

Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 

Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 

Died August 7, 1863. 

Discharged February 5, 1863. 

Transferred to forty-eighth regiment. 

Unassigned, 

Lieutenant 5th Cav.. ist Lieut. i4Sth Inf. 

Promoted 1st Lieutenant 148th Infantry. 

Mustered out July 6, 1863. 

Unassigned. 

Mustered out, term expired. 

Mustered out, term expired. 

Mustered out September, 1865. 

Mustered out September, 1S65. 

Mustered out September, 1865, 

Discharged in 1S62, disability. 

Mustered out September, 1S65. 

Mustered out April 25, 1S65, wounded. 

Died at Nashville, 1S62. 

Twenty-eighth Reg., U. S., colored, died. 

Twenty-eighth Reg., U. S., colored, died. 

Wounded. 

Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

Veteren, mustered out May 4, 1S65. 

Died at St. Louis October 4, 1862. Serg'nt. 



Drowned Selma May 13, 1864. 
Died at Memphis March 23, 1S63. 
Discharged Augut 4, 1S61. 

Discharged November 21, 1S62. 
Not mustered. 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



;2i 



Name axd Rank. 



Co. 



Privates. 

Jones, Henry 

Johnson, Win. II 

Jackson, George H . . . 
Jack, James 

(ackson, Iluander. . . . 

Jared, James M 

"Jackson, Milton 

"Johnson, Robert 

Kauble, Solomon T. . . 
Krcager, Christian... 

Kirkman, John D 

Knott, George W 

Kissler, Herman 

Keefer, Albert 

Keiger, Joseph II 

Kinsev, Henry 

Keller, Jonathan . ... 
Kirkhoff, Charles A.. 

Kreiger. Mathias 

Knntz, Byron 

Kenneman, John II. . . 
Kelluni, John ...... 

Kiger. John 

Konai., Paul . 

Keefer, Almon 

Kingen. Kiley 

Kinij, Thomas 

Kefi', Fred C 

Kinder, Weslev M .. 

Kitchen, Wni. N 

Keller, Jonathan 

I.amb.Rjcliard 

I.eamon, I?ichard .... 

I-incback, Isaac E. . . 

Lamb, Peter 

Lake, Albert H 

Lauder, Adam F.... 

Lauder, James 

Lauder, Alfred 

Louder, Wjliiam 

Long. John \V 

I^ai'mon, Cornelius. . 

Laster, James M 

Lewis, James H 

Larkin, Michael 

Lockwood, John 

Lister, Samuel 

Luntsford, Elijah 

Lister, James 

Luntsford, J.ames. . . . 

Lamb, John A 

Lutes, Iroan H 

Laymon, Thomas B. 

I -acy, James A 

Lacy Nimrod 

Lakui. Wm. F. . 

Landis, George W.. 

Lemay, Charles W.. 

Lane, Isaac 

Lawson, Hiram 

Lewis, Deane 

Lamb, William 

Lochr, John S 

Ledmore, John W... 
Leonard, liiram L. .. 

Loomis, John G 

Loomis, Benjamin... . 
I^incolnfelter, Thomas 
Lacy, William P. 
Ly nam. Perry C. 
Lane, Gilman . . . 
Lane, Isaac 



gCav 
gCav 

79 

79 
^ '9 
SCav. 



Date of 
Mustek. 



Remarks, 



34 
9 

5' 
9 
9 

75 

.,Cal^ 
5 Cav. 
SCav. 
SCav. 
99 



C 

c 

I 

A 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

B 

G 

G 

G 
G 
G 
E 
G 
G 
G 
H 
E 
L 
E 
E 
E 
A 
A 
A 
I 

G 
B 
B 
B 
I 
C 
C 
C 
I 

K 
II 
C 
I 



Nov. 13, 
Nov. 13, 
Aug. IS, 
Mav 24, 
Aug. 15, 
Aug. ic, 
Aug. iS, 
Feb. 17, 
Aug. 19, 
July 16, 
"SlaV 15, 
Mav K, 
MaV IS, 
May 15, 
Sept. 21, 
Feb. 14, 
Dec. 13, 
Nov. 13, 
Nov. 13, 

J"ly '41 
July 14, 
.\ug. iS 
.'\ug. iS, 
Oct. 21, 
Aug. iS, 
Aug. 19, 
Sept. 16, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Mar. 31, 
57 Dec. 13, 
Aug. -25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 

Aug. 25, 

^^"g- 2S» 
Sept. 5, 
Aug. 15, 
Aug. 15, 
Aug. 15, 
Aug. 15, 
Feb. 14, 
July 21. 
July 2S, 
Sept. 12, 
Aug. 12, 
Jan. I, 



Mustered out August 25, iS6s. 

Mustered cnit July, 186^. 

Mustered out June 7, iS6s. 

Mustered out — time expired. 

Discharged June 26, 1863. 

Mustered out June 7, 1865. 

Discharged January 15. 1S63. 

Died at Pecksburg^ Feb. 2S, 1865. 

Res. Dec. 26, '61. Entered 1st L't. 5 Cav. 

Vet. Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 

Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

Mustered out May 19, iS32. 

Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

Veteran. Mastered out February 3, 1 865 

Veteran. Mustered out Sept. 28, 1865. 

Discharged February 4, 1862. 

Died at Athens, Sept. 29, 1S64. Wounds. 

Mustered out Sept. 5, 1865. Corporal. 

Mustered out June S, 1S65. 

Mustered out June 8, 1865. 

Died at home. 

Mustered out May 20. 1^65. 

Discharged Januarj' 26, 1865. 
Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 
Unassigned. 

Mustered out September, 1865. 
Mustered out September, 1865. 
Mustered out December 13, 1865. 
Discharged February 4, 1S62. 
Killed at \'icksburg. May 21, 1S63. 
Died at Greenfield, March 14, 1S63. 



Transferred to 20th reg't, March 8, 1S64. 
Veteran. Mustered out August 28, iS?is. 
Veteran, Mustered out August 28, 1865. 
Veteran. Mustered out August 28, iS\s. 
Killed at ^■icksburg, May 25, 1S63. 
Mustered out SepteiTiber'4, 1S64. 
Mustered out August 28, 1865. 
Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S&2. 
Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out September 28, 1865. 
Mustered out June 8, 1865. 
Mustered out Mav 1, 1S65. 
Died at Marietta, 'October 2, '64. Wounds 
__ Mustered out June 15, 1865, 
62' Veteran from 19th regiment, Oct. 13, '65. 

.Mustered out Septembers, 1865. 

Oct. 10, Yii V'cteran. Died November 24, 1865. 
Nov. 4, '64 Mustered out June 26, 1865. 
Nov. 4, ■64iMustered outlune 26, 1865. 
Dec. 1^ Yii Discharged >larch 7, 1863. 
Dec. 13, "61 Mustere'd out February 5, 1S65. 
Dee. i\, "61 Discharged August 2, 1S62. 
131 Dec. 23, '63 Discharged November 18, 1865. 
SCaV. Aug. 18, "Oi'Mustered out June 14, iS6s. 

121 Nov. 13, '63lKined at Franklin, Ky., Dec. 17, 1S64. 
121 Nov. 13, '63 

121 Dec. 19, "63 Died at Madison. January 23, 1S63. 
7S July 14, '62 Died at McKenville, July 2S, 1863. 
79; Aug. IS, '62 Died at McKenville, luly 2?, 1S62. 
79' Aug. IS, "62 Missing in action at Stone River, 
79 Aug. 15, Yi2Transferred to Eng. Corps, July 14, 1S63. 
i3C"v Jan. 11, '64 Mustered out May 2S, iS6s. 
134 May 4, Y>4lMustered out Sep'teniber, 1865. 
147 Feb. 24, YK'Mustercd out— term expired. 
T48 Feb. 17, Yi";! Mustered out— term expired. 
i3C'v Dec. 23, Y13 .Mustered out November, 1865. 



34 



522 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Name and Rank. 



Co. 


Reg. 


Date of 

ML'STER. 


I 


14S 


Feb. 9, ' 


64. 


c 


79 


July 14, ' 


64. 


G 


16 


AuiT. 12, 


•62 


B 


S 


Aug-. 25, 


'61 


D 


51 


Dec. 14, 


•61 


B 


53 


Dec. '62 . 




B 


S 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Auu"^. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


B 


s 


Aug. 25, 


'61 


(J 


s 


Sept. 5, 


'61 


B 


s 


April 5), 


'63 


H 


s 


Sept. s, 


'61 


C 


9 


Feb. 14, 


'6:; 


D 


9 


Feb. 24, 


•6s 


E 


9 


Feb. 24, 


'6, 


B 


12 


Mav 15, 


'61 


B 


12 


Mav 15, 


•61 


B 


12 


Mav 15, 


'61 


B 


12 


Mav 15, 


•61 


B 


12 


May 15, 


•61 


B 


12 


Mav 15, 


'61 


B 


12 


May 15, 


•61 


B 


12 


May 15, 


'01 


A 


12 


Sept. 12, 


'64 


(i 


12 


Aug. 3, 


'(-.2 


{; 


12 


Aug. 3, 


'02 


(J 


12 


Aug. 7, 


'62 


H 


12 


Aug. 17, 


'62 


I 


13 


Mar. 10, 


■6; 


K 


20 


Jan. I, 


'62 


H 


26 


Sept. 24, 


'64 


H 


26 


Sept. 24, 


'64 


H 


26 


Sept. 24, 


'<H 




Sq 


Sept. 24, 


'64 


A 


S7 


Dec. I], 


'61 


A 


57 


Dec. 13, 


't.1 


A 


S7 


Dec. 13, 


'M 


B 


gCav. 


Nov. 13, 


'6^ 


B 


9Cav. 


Dec. 9, 


'6^ 


B 


121 


Dec. 9, 


'6, 


B 


121 


Dec. 9, 


'6, 


B 


121 


Jan. 7, 


'64 


B 


6S 


Aug. 19, 


-62 


K 


79 


Aug. 15, 


'62 


K 


• 79 


Aug. IS, 


"62 


K 


^ 79 


Aug. :.s, 


'02 


(J 


5Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


G 


5Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


(t 


5 Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


G 


5Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


G 


5 Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


G 


S Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


G 


5 Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


G 


SCav. 


Aug. 16, 


'62 


G 


5 Cav. 


Aug. 16, 


,62 


Ct 


:;Cav. 


Dec. 2S, 


'6, 


G 


SCav. 


Dec. 2S, 


'6^ 


G 


5 Cav. 


Jan. 20, 


'64 


G 


5 Cav. 


Jan. 20, 
Jan. 20, 


'64 


G 


5 Cav. 


% 


H 


19 


Jan. 13, 


64' 


B 


99 


Aug. 13, 


02 



Remarks. 



Privates. 

Lankforci, Thom.as W 

Luniis, Benjamin 

Morgan, B. F 

Miller, Nicholas 

Marsh, Seth 

Marsh, Samuel 

Mullen, Jacob 

McCorkle, Henry .... 

Morgan, AV. H. "JI 

Marsh, Emanuel 

Miller, Francis 

McGee, Isaac C 

McConnell, William. 

Martin, Jacob 

Mavs, Franklin 

McDonald, Clark ... 

Martin, William B 

Mann, Henrv 

Meek, Stephen B 

Moore, Lester R 

Mendenhall, James P . 

Miller, John S 

Manden, Thomas W. 
McKinley, William.. 
McCorkle, William F 
McConnell, John W.. 
McGuire, Harrison... 

McCuUen, Ira 

McGuire, Amos 

Mosier, Theodore .... 

Mosier, John A 

McDonnell, Jesse 
Martin, Thomas M. . . 

McDaniel, Jesse 

Myers, Erasmus 

Marshal, Elijah . .... 
McGuire, Josepli .... 

Mack, Michael H 

Miller, William 

Marsh, Christopher C 
Mesler, William ..... 

Miller, Isaac 

Meek, Richard 

Martin, George W.... 

Madison, John 

McCorkle, John 

Miller, Benjamin 

McPhall, Daniel 

McGahey, Andrew S. 

Manchee, John 

Miller, Ambrose C 

MoCorkle, John H . . . 

Mavley, Uriah 

Moore, Sidney 

Mingle, Cornelius 

McCole, Neal 

Marsh, Elias 

Morris, Milton T , 

Marsh, Joseph 

Miller, (ieorgc W 

Meek, Jared C 

McKinney, Jesse 

McGee, George 

Milroy, Albestus 

Martin, Albert 

McFarland 

Martin, ]oseph 

Meek, Marshall M.... 
Meek, Ransom M..... 

Mack, Thomas 

Mints, William P 

McQiiery, Perry 



Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 
Mustered oiitjuly 24, 1865. [knee 

Taken pris. and ex'ed. Vet., wounded in 
N'eteran, mustered out Aug. 2S, 1S65. 
Promoted Captain. 
Died July 27, 1S64, wounded. 

Veteran, mustered out August 2S, 1S65. 
Mustered out September, 14, 1S54. 
Died Hancock Dec. 1S62. 
Drowned Salulia March 13, 1864, Corporal 
Mustered out September 4, 1S64. 

Vet., mustered out August 2S, '65, Capt. 
Killed Vicksburg May 22, 1S63. 
\'eteran, mustered out Aug. 2bi, 2S65. 
Killed Perryville, September 5, 1S64. 
\'eteran, mustered out August 2S, 1S65. 
Discharged August 28, 1865. 
Discharged August 28, 1S65. 
\'eteran, mustered out August 28, i86v 

Mustered out September 28, 1S65. 
Died, Shield's Mill April 16, 1S65. 
Mustered out September 28. 1S65. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out May 19, 1862. 
Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 
Mustered out Tune 8, 1S65. 
Discharged March i, 1863. 

Mustered out June 8, 1865. 
Mustered out June 8, 1863. 
Mustered out Jul}' .'9, 1865. 
A'et. from 19th. Died Jan 4, 1865, Capt. 
Mustered out September 6, 1865. 
Mustered out January 13, 1S66. 
Mustered out November 5, 1S63. 
Mustered out November 5, 1S65 
\'et. Mustered out Dec. 14, '6 
Discharged January i, 1S62. 
Discharged February 4, 1S62. 
Died at Indianapolis Februurv 27, 1864. 
Died at Nashville Oct. 26, 1864, wounds. 
Mustered out August 28, 1865. 
Discharged May 11, 1S65. Corporal. 
Mustered out June 6, 1863. 
Discharged Nov. 19, 1862. Disability. 
Mustered out June 7, 1S65. Sergeant. 
Mustered out June 7, 1S65. 
Mustered out June 7, 1865. 
Mustered out Sept. 15, 1^5. Sergeant. 
Mustered out September 15, 1865. 
Died at Glasgow May 6, 1S63. 
Mustered out Jvine 16, i86s. 
Mustered out Sept. 15, 1865. Corporal. 
Discharged June 6, 1S65. 
Mustere'cl out October 15, 1S65. 
Discharged November 10, 1865. 
Discharged November 10, 1S63. 
Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 
Mustered out September 15, 1S63. 
Mustered out September 15, 1865. 
Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 
Mustered out June 16, 1865. 
Died at Louisville June 16, 1S65. 
Died July 30, 1S64. Wounds. 



Serg't. 



PATRIOTISM OF HAN'COCK COUNTY. 



523 



Name and Rank. 



Date of 
Mustek. 



Privales. 

Miller, Amos 

Miller. Thomas P 

McGuirc. Thomas 

Miller, Thomas J 

Milaer, Joseph T 

Milner, William . , 

Milner, |ob.. 

Morford, Joseph B 

Mortord,John A .... 

Morford, Elisha 

Murphy, James . 

Milner, Henry 

Myers, Charley 

McCorkle. Richard B. 

McBane, Isaac 

Miller, Abraham 

Moore, John O 

Marshall, Eli X 

Miller, Isaac 

Morical. Robert 

Madden, Riley 

Mvers, AVilliam 

■JVIcFadden, William H 

Miller, Jacob 

Miller, Samuel 

Martin, Joseph 

McCord, John . 

McCord, David 

Nixon. Azor M 

Niles, Thomas E 

Nixon, Aaron D 

Ni les, Reuben 

Niharger, John 

Nibarger Lemiel I ... 
Niliarger, Harrison... 
Nibarger, Thomas.... 

Orr, TftomasJ 

Osborn, Alexander. . . . 

Olney, Ransom 

Olvev, Levi 

Olvey, William 

Owens, George 

Oftutt, I.loyd 

Oldham, Jeremiah . . . . 

Ormsten, Andrew 

Orr, Thomas J 

Owens, Clarion 

Owens, George \\' . . . . 

Philpott, Marion 

Personnett, William .. 

I'rickett. Eli . . . 

Price, John 

Pauley, James 

Pope, Xewton 

Piper, George W 

I'urkey, Thomas 

Probasco, John 

Parris, Lewis B 

Pauley, Joseph H 

Poole, Franklin R 

Parson, George. . 

Perman, Ephraim 

Parker, George W . . . . 

Prickett, Henry 

Pardue, Francis 2\I 

Price, Lewis 

Pilkington, Wm H 

Pope, William A 

Pope, James T 

Pope, Jiisper N 

Price, William 

Powers, Isaac 



99 
99 
9) 
99 
99 

9-:> 

99 
99 
99 

99 
99 
99 
'47 
i3C'v 

34 

^i 

4\ 

14S 



Aug. 13, 
Aug. 1.5, 
Aug. 1.5, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Feb. 7, 
Dec. 23, 
Nov. 4, 
Xov. 4, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 



5C 



i4S|Feb. 17, 
14S, Feb. 17, 
i4S|Feb. 17, 
1 485 Feb. 17, 
1481 Feb. 17, 
a v. Dec. 2S, 

Sj 

S April 2, 
S Aug. 25, 
57 Dec. 13, 
i2iiDec. g, 
Dec. 9, 
Aug. 14, 
Aug. 14, 
Aug, 14, 
Aug. 14, 
Jan. 2, 



bsept 5, 
i2j.V.ug. 15, 
12 Aug. 15, 
12 Aug. 15, 
3Sjan. 16. 
191 Aug. 16, 
i34:May 24, 
i47|I-eb. 14, 



Oct. 31, 
Mar. 31, 
Aug. '25, 
Feb. 24, 
Feb. 24, 
Feb. 24, 
F"eb. 24, 
Feb. 24, 
July, 22, 
Sept. 17, 
Dec. I?, 
_ Dec. li, 
9Cav.!Dec. 9, 
gCav.lNov. 13, 
gCav. Nov. 13, 
jCav. T;iii. 2, 
Jan 



SCav 

79 
79 
79 
90 
90 
90 



2, 

July 19, 

\ug, 



'VUg. I, 

Aug. iS 
Aug. 16, 
Aug, 16 
^ Aug. 16 
90 Aug. 16 
90 Aug. 16 



Mustered out June 5, iSf)v 
Mustered out June 5, 1S63. 
Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 
Mustered out June 5, iS'i^. 
Mustered out "June 5, iS65» 
Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 
Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 
Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 
Discharged October 27, iSj4. 
Killed in action May 2S, 1S64. 
Discharged May 10, 1S63. 
Discharged February 13, 1S65. 
Missing in action December 4, 1S64. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Mustered out November, iS, iSi-;. 
Mustered out June, 1S55. 
Mustered out June, iSij. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Mustered out, time expired. 
Died at Amo March 10, iSo,. 
Mustered out September, 1S65. 
Mustered out September, 1S63. 
Mustered out September, 1S65. 
Mustered out September, 1S65. 
Mustered out September, 1865. 
Mustered out September ij, IS65. 
Died, of wound, at Knoxville. 



Transferred to loth battery. 
Mustered out July 28, 1S65. 
Died at Pulaski August i, 1SJ4. 
Mustered out June 5, iSjj. 
Died March 15, 1863. 
Mustered out June 5, iSj^. 
Died March 20, 18-13. 

Mustered out August 2S, 18J5. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S63. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 
Died at Grand Junction February 9, iSjj. 
Mu.'.tered out July i^, 1SJ5. 
Discharged Novemlier 10, i832. 
Mustered out. 
Mustered out. 

Mustered out July i''. 1805. 
Mustered out December 13, 1865. 
Vet. Mustered out Aug. 28, '03. Serg't. 
Mustered out August 28, 1SS5. 
Mustered out August 28, 18(33. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S63. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 
Mustered out June 8, 1S05. 
Unassigned. 

Mustered out February 5, 1833. 
Mustered out February 5, 1865. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 
Discharged June 15, 1S65. 
Lost on Sultana April 27, 1S65. 
Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 

Mustered out June 7, 1805. 

Trans, engineer corps, July 14, 1863. 

Promoted. 

Mustered out Sept. 16, iSjj, Sergeant. 

Died at Andersonville Sept. 25, 1864. 

Mustered out September 15, 1864. 

Mustered out September 15, i8r>3. 

Mustered out September 13, 1S65. 



524 



niSTORV OF IIAN'COCK COUNTY. 



Name and Rank. 



Prix'aies. 

Perkins, Newton 

Pope, Elijah \i 

Pusjli, lames. 

I'o'pe, Peter S . 
Powers, William R.. .. 
Pratt, James C 
I'alterson, Samuel T.. 
Purilue, Thomas 1^... 

Purdue, RenbeJi 

ParUer, Thomas 

Prickett, Daniel 

Perry, James W 

Pennocl. Alex 

Priddy, John \V 

Parkluirst, Adam . . . 

Pauley, Robert 

Philips, Ernst . 

Pelsinjj;ton, James W . . 
Robison, Samuel . . 
Roney. Edward H ... 
Ronev, Benjamin A. . 
Reamslieari, Nicholas 
Retlmire, Christian . . . . 
Russell, James T ... 
Rus.sell, Wiiiam H .. 

Kobison, Peller 

Roberts, Albeit 

Rudrick, William E.. 
Rinewalt, Isaac P .. 
Romack, Geort;:e .... 

Rliue, Perrv J 

Riley, Reuben A 

Uagan, William W . . 

Rash, Lawson 

Robb, Thomas H 

}{ichards, David. 
Reynolds, John W... 

Rash, Amos 

Rash, lohn T 

Rash, "Daniel 

Rash, Thomas M 

Roberts, James 

Rynerson, William.. 
Rittenhouse, Jolin . .. 
Reynolds, Joseph .... 
Roland, Joseph .... 
Kussel, Josepli M . . . 
Robison, William V. 
Rawlinfjs. .\aronJ .. 
l{enan, AVilliam IC. . . 
lievnolds, William... 
Roberts, William JI.. 
Richie, William G .. 

Ridlin, William 

Reedv, Jeremiah .... 

Rodley, John 

liedman, Michael ... 

Reeves, Oliver 

Reeves, Nevil 

Reeves, W'illiam W. . 

Reeves, Rilev A 

|{oland. Geo'rge 

Reynolds, James T. . . 
l{obison, Benjamin T. 
Reeves, Newton C... 

Kardin, John C 

Ifevnolds, Robert 

Rasel, William 

Rutsel, Aaron 

Ramsdell, Cornelius. 
R.-vnolds 'ames E. . . 
Jtoland. 1 .rerson . . . . 



Co. 



gCiiv 



Date of 
Mustek. 



pCav. 

_)Cav. 

>Cav. 
66 
79 
79 

,;Cav. 

^Cav. 

5 Cav. 

jCav. 

99 

99 

99 

99 

^99 

i3C'v 

i3C'v 

'34 



.\ug. i6, 
Aujj. i6, 
Aug. 1 6, 
\uji. 1 6, 
Mar. 22, 
Feb. 14, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 2, 
Feb. 2, 
Sept. 17, 
Aufr. 31, 
Aufr. 31, 
Sept. 22, 
Sei)t. 21, 
-Nov. 4, 
Nov. I ). 

Jan. 2, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Au>r. 25, 
Aug. 2.S, 
Aug. 2^. 
heb. .4. 
Feb. 24, 
Feb. 24, 
Mar. S, 
Feb. ^S, 
Feb. iS, 
.Mar. 15, 
-Vlar. 15, 
.\pnl 20, 
Apiil -'6, 
Feb. 14. 
Feb. 14, 
July i^, 
Aug. 3, 
Aug. 3. 
July i^, 
July 19, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug, 13, 
Oct. 3, 
Dec. 14, 
Dec. 13, 
Dec. 13, 
Nov. 13, 
.Nov. 13, 
Nov. 13, 
Aug. K> 
Aug. ig, 
Aug. 15, 

Aug. Kl, 

Aug. I '1, 
Aug. 16, 
Aug. iS, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Mar. 23, 
Mar. 23, 
Dec. 23, 
Dec. i^i, 
May 24, 



Promoted. 

Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 



,,.1 Died at Indianapolis, December 15, 1862. 
Y14 Transferred to 4Sth regiment. May 18, '65,. 
'65 Mustered out. 
'65 Mustered out September, 1S65. 
'65 Musteren out September, i565. 
'65 Mustered out September, 1S65. 
'64 Ihiassigned. 

'61 \'et. Mustered out July 2'i, '63. Serg't. 
Y-11 Vet. Mustered out July 26, '6"v Corp'l. 
■62 .Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 
■62 Veteran. Mustered out February 3, 1.S66.. 
■64 Mustered out June, iS6^. 
■64 Mustered out June, i%5. 
. . Wounded. 
'64 Mustered out. 
•61 Died at \'icksburg, July, 1S63. 
'61 Died at Syracuse, IJecember 15. 1S61 
'61 \'eteran. Mustered out August -S, 1S65. 
'61 Mustered out September 4. lS6). 
'01 Disi harged December, 1S62. 
'65 Mustered out September 2S, iS^'^ 
'65 Mustered nut September 2S, 1S65. 
■65|.\huterjd out Sejitember 2S. 1S65. 
■(5 Mustered out September 2S, 1563. 
"O^jMu.-tereJ out July 26, 1S65. 

'orMustei ed out May ig, iS32. 

'61 \ et. Mustered out December 2, 1S65. 

M\islered out. Re-entered Capt. 5th Cav. . 
■61 Mustiired out June i, 1S65. Lieutenant. 

.Mustered out "beptember 2S, iS6v 

Mu>tered out September 2S, 1S65. 

.Mustered out June 6, 18(55. Sergeanl. 
"63 Uischargedjuite 19, 1:1^3. Wounds, 
'o. .Mustered out June ^i, iSu^. 
'62 Musteted out |une S, 1^65. 
'02 Mustered out June ^, i^i-,. 
■62lMustered out June S, 1863. Corjioral. 



Discharged Sept. 29, -62. Arai am;>ulated.. 

Mustered out June 24, 1865. 

Discharged. 

Died Juiie 15, i?63. 

Discharged August 17, 1S63. 

Mustered out August 2S, 1865. Farrier. 

Mustered out July 10, 1S63. 

Mustered out .\ugust 28. 1815. 

Mustered out June 3, 1865. 

Mustered out June 3, 1865. Sergeant. 

Mustered out June 7, 1565. 

Mustered out September 16, '61;. Serg't.. 

Mustered out Septembc- 16, iSTiv 

Discharged March 10, 1863. 



J32 Maj' iS, 
148 Feb. 2, 
148'Feb. 17, 
i4S'Feb. 17, 
14S Feb. 17, 
131 Sept. 21 , 



Mustered out June 5, 1S65. Corporal. 

Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 

Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 

Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 

Mustered out Jure 5, 1S65. 

Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

Mustered out September 30, 1S65. 

Mustered out September 30, i?65. 

Mustered out September 30, 1S65. 

Promoted to Captain, December 10,1863 
'64JMustered out. 
"65 Mustered out. 
'65I Mustered out September, 1S65. 
'65 Mustered out September, iSCj. 
'6^ Mustered out September, 1S63. 
"6i Wteran. Mustered out February 3, l>^6^. 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



D^3 



Name and Rank. 



Kemarks. 



Privates. 

"Rohrer, Augustus II. . 

ScotL, Aaron 

-Smith, Philander 

■Seclcy. William II. H, 

Smith. Georije W 

-Siplinjjei, William H, 

Sellerv, P-cter , 

Scottt'n. John I? 

Siicll, -Lewis 

Snider, William T. . . . 

Stephens, Eli 

Santbrd, Francis M 

Scott. James P 

Scott, John 

Scotten Ebenezer C. 
Scotten, William W. 

Shelton, Martin 

Shcllev, Samuel 

Slifer." Wilson S 

Stephens, Rucl 

Simmons, William... 

. Scott, Rufus 

Sincox, John AV 

Sa\vcv,John 

.Statts". lohn W 

Statts. Peter C 

Savage, John H 

Smith, Edward . 

Slierman, Thomas.... 
Sergeant, Richard . . . . 

Short, William 

-Smith. Robert J 

-Scott. William 

-Shrov.Bezra 

Shaffer, Peter 

-Shatter, Joseph 

Shafter, Miio 

Shull, John 

-Shull, Freeman 

Shatler, William .... 

Shatter, Jacob 

. Shatter, John S 

Shatter, llirain 

Sonthan, James 

Smith, Nicholas 

Smith, William 

Smith, Andrew J 

Smith. Oliver II 

Smith, John II 

Samuels, Jrhn A 

Sluth, William M 

Snow, Jonathan 

Snider, Thomas C .. 

Snell, Zachariah T... 

-Shipman, W'illiam . . . . 

Shaw, William R.... 

Shaw, Isaac V 

Shipman, J.ames J . . . , 

.Siddell, William 

.Slifer, Levi 

:Smith, Edward C 

Scott. Charles W 

Sample, James Q . 

Shiplev, Reason . ... 

Shipley, Francis M . . 
-■Shafter, James 

Shafter, Isaac 

SherriIl,John W.... 

■Steward, John 

■-Sullivan, Calvin 

■Smith, August 

^Short, Hugh 



^ 



1 Aug. 25, 
■' Aug, 25, 
' Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
' Aug. 25, 
i Aug, 25, 
1 Aug. 25, 

■ Aug. 25, 
Aug. 25, 
Aug. S, 
Aug. 27, 
Aug. 27, 
Aug. 27, 

; Aug. 27, 
1 Feb. 2S, 
' Feb. 2S, 
i Feb. iS, 

■ May 9, 
iFeS. 14, 
I Feb. 14, 

9 Feb. 14, 
n Jan. 
1 1 May 
II May 15, 
II May 15, 
II May 15, 
II May 15, 
II May 15, 

11 May 15, 
S Aug. 25, 

12 Aug. 5, 
12 .'Vug. 16, 
12 July 21, 
12 July 21, 
1 2 July 21, 
12 Aug. iS, 
12 Aug. iS, 
12 Aug. iS. 
12 Aug. 18, 
12 Feb. 22, 
i2lOct. 16, 
l2Sept. 17, 
12 Sept. 17, 

121 Nov. 13, 
CavsAug. iS, 



Died, disease. 
'61 

'61, Promoted 
'6 



24, '6.) 



'61 Discharged February iS, 1S63. 

'61' Vet. Mustered out August 2S, 1S65. 

'61 Died at Lebanon, .\pril S, 1S62. 

'61 Killed at Vicksburg, Mav 22, 1S63, 

'61 Discharged April 10, iSjj. Disability, 

'61 Promoted. 

"61 \'et. Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 

'62 Vet. Mustered out June 14, 1S65. 

'62! Died at St. Louis, October 30, 1862. 

Died at New Orleans, September 11, 18S3. 

Died at Helena, March 29, 1S63. 

Wounds suppo.ed. Invalid. 

Vet. Died at Savannah Feb. 28, 1S65, 

Discharged Nov. 20, 1S62. Disal)ility. 

Discharged December iS, 1862. ♦ 

^■.,1 Mustered out August 28, 1865. 
'6; Mustered out August 28, 1865. 
'651 
'65! Mustered out September 28, i86£. 



6iiMustered out May 19, 1862. 
'6i|Mustered out May 19, 1862. 



Wound:^ 



Ca 
Cav 
Cav 
Cav 

Cav 
Cav 
Cav 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 
99 



Au. 

Aug. !>.. 
Aug. 18, 
Aug. 18, 
October. 
Oct. 16, 
Feb. 9, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13. 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13, 
Aug. 13 
99:Apr. 14, 
99: Apr. 14, 



Cav Nov 
Cav' Nov. 
Cav Nov. 
Cav Nov, 
Cav Nov, 
Cav Dec. 
Cav, Dec. 



'61 Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

'61 Mustered out May 19, 1862. 

'61 Mustered out May 19, 1862. 

'61 Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

'61 Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 

'61 Discharged December 31, iS<':i 

'61 Transferred to \'. R. C. 

'62 Mustered out June S, 1811;. 

'62 Mustered out June 8, 1865. 

'62 .Mustered out "June 8, iS>v 

'6i^ Mustered out June S. iS3;. 

'6. Mustered out June S, 18^-5 

'6.! Vlusteret out June S, 18*^5. 

■6.iKilled at Atlanta, -Viiifust 17, rSf4. 

'6. 1 Mustered out June S, 1865. 

'64 .Mustered out June 8, 1S6;. 

'6. Transferred to 48 Reg. Wounded. 

'6d Unassigned. 

■64!Unassigned. 

Yi^Transferred to 13 Infantry. 

"A.Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 

■|i. Mustered out September 15, 1865. 

'0.' Mustered out September 15, 1865. 

"6.- .Mustered out .September 15, 1S65. 

'62 Mustered out September 15, 18J5. 

'62 Died at Andersonville, June 24, 1864. 

'6,. Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 

"64 Mustered out September 15, 1865. 

"6; Died March 30, 1^6.4. Wounds. 

'62 Died at Andersonville, November 5. 1S63, 

'62: Died at Andersonville, August 18, 1864. 

'62! Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

'621 Mustered out June 5, 1865. 

'62! .Vlustered out June 5, i^S- 

'62 Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 

'62 Transferred to 48 Reg. 

'62 Died July 7, 1S64. Wounds. 

'641 Mustered out May 26, 1865. 

'64 Discharged December 26, 1S64. 
13, "63 Mustered out July, 1865. Saddler. 
I3, '63 Mustered out July, 1865. 
13, 713, Mustered out July, 1865. 
13, '63 Lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865. 
13, Y>3 Mustered out June 17, 1S65. 
9, '631 Mustered out tune 17, 18^15. 
9, 'cjiDied at Pulaski, September 12, 1S64. 



526 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Name and Rank. 



Privates. 

Sears, Christopher ]I. 

Sears, Francis O 

Sherman, John 

Sherman, Jeremiah .. 
Sanders, William II.. 

Steel, Samuel 

Shellhouse, Conrad... 
Sellerv, Thomas ].... 

Seller'y, William" 

Stanley, James 

Smitten, Isaac 

Schoolev, Cam T 

Sapp, William 

Schull, William I 

Stutsman, Andrew... 

Stump, Jesse 

Slifer, Georg^e 

Snow, David 

Shutes, David 

Smith, Robert A 

Shaffer. Ira 

Stefey, Joseph 

Shirley, William R... 

Soots, Addison 

Strahl, Oliver 

Smith, Asa 

Sandy, John A 

Stanbrougfh, Sol 

Squires, Levi 

Smith, William II.... 

Snider, Peter 

Smith, Nicholas C. . . . 
Surgeant, Thomas S. . 

Smith, Charles S 

Shipley, Reason 

Smith, John R 

Thomas, Tavlor W. . 
Thompson, Isaac P... 
Thomas, Henry P. . . 
Thomas, William S.. 
Thomas, Amze W . . . . 
Tuttle, William H. H 

Thompson, Mark 

True, David N 

Thompson, Samuel C. 
Thompson, Raph L. . 
Thomas, Wellington., 
Tibhetts. Allen B .... 
Tygart, Thomas N 

Thornton, Daniel 

Torrence, William.. . . 
Torrence, Samuel .... 
Thornton, Henry W... 
Thompson, Samuel C. 
Thomas, James. ..... 

Tibhetts, Henry C 

Troy, Christopher 

'I'rice, Henry . 

Tygart, John M 

Thomas, James 

Thomas. Lewis S 

'I vgart. Thomas N . . . . 

Taylor. John H 

Ulrey,John 

Underwood, John N... 
Underwood, James N.. 

Ulrev, Jefferson 

Vandyke, Marshall... 

Vanzant, Francis 

Vanzant, Josejjh 

Vanzant, Jesse 

Veron,John A 



Co. 



Reg. 



Cav 
Cav 

75 
75 
75 

26 
26 



Date of 
Muster. 



Rem.\rks. 



Dec. 9, 
Dec. 9, 

Tuiy 15, 

Tulv 15, 

July i5« 

Aug. 15, 
Sept. 24, 
Sept. 24, 



^(^ Sept. 21, 

"' Sept. 24, 

Sept. 24, 

Sept. 24, 

Sept. 24. 



26 

26 

26 

26 

26 Sept. 24^ 
Sept. 24, 
Dec. 14, 
Dec. 14, 
Feb. 23, 
Feb. 23, 
Dec. i;^, 
Dec. 13, 
May 24, 
Feb". 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
HSJFeb. 17, 
HSJFeb. 17, 
Sept. 17, 
Sept. 17, 
Sept. 21, 
Sept. 21, 
Apr. 16, 



.•?8 

5" 

5' 

S> 

SI 

57 

57 

134 

14S 

14S 

14S 

148 

14S 

,48 



KT, M:ir. 12, 
"8 Aug. 25, 

8 Feb. 5. 

SJan. 3. 



26J January 
26|Sept. 24, 
38 Sept. 4, 
5iiDec. 14, 
51 [Dec. 14, 

Sept. 13, 

Apr. 7, 

Dec. 

Dec. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Aug. 

Auj?. 

Aug. 

Aug. 13 

Aug. 13, 
57 Sept. tj. 
57 Sept. 10, 
^4 Sept. 21, 
1:7 Dec. 13, 
CaVjFeh. 27. 
SJAug. 5. 

SJAug. 5, 
26iS>ept. 24, 
S7pec. 13, 
12 Aug. 17, 
12 Aug. 17, 
i2|Aug. 17, 
CaviDec. 23, 



79 

Cav 
Cav 
Cav 

99 
99 
99 



'63 Mustered out June 22, 1865. 

'63 Discharged May 27. 1S65. Sergeant. 

'62 Mustere^d out June 8, 186^ 

'62 Mustered out June 8, 1S63. 

'62 Mustered out June 8, 1S65. 

'65 Mustered out June 7, 1S65. 

'64 Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 

'64 Mustered out September 6, i86v 

'64 Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 

•'64 Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 

^64 Mustered out September 6, 1865. 

'64 Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 

'64 Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 

'64 Mustered out September 6, 186;. 

'64 Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 

'61 ^'et. Mustered out December 13, 1S65.. 

'61 Discharged. 

'62 Vet. Mustered out December 13, 1865. 

'62 Missing, Stone Creek. 

'61 Mustered out March 1, 1S65. 

'61 Discharged March 10, 1S65. 

'6.J Mustered out. 

'65 Mustered out September 5, 1865. 

'65 Mustered out September 5, 1865. 

'65 Mustered out September 5, iS6^. 

'65 Mu.stered out September 5, 1S65. 

'65 Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 

'6!; Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 

'65 Mustered out September 5, 186^. 

'65 Mustered out September 5, 1865. 

'64 Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 

■^64 Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 

'61 

'61 Discharged March 17, 1863. Disability- 

'64 Mustered out. 

Died May 30, 1S64. 

Resigned March 4, 1S63. Lieuten.-.nt. 

Mustered out. 

Mustered out August 28, i?6v 

Mustered out August 2S, 1865. 

Vet. Mustered out January 15, 1866. 
Mustered out September 6. 1865. 
Mustered out June 24, 1865. 
Dicsharged June 25, 1S62. 
Died at Andersonville, Sept. \^. 1S64. 
Mustered out December 13. iS6j. 
Died at Chattanooga, August 22, 1S62. 
\'et. Clustered out Dec. 14, 1S65. Corp'l. 

Transferred to V. R. C, January 14, 1S64.. 
Mustered out June 7, 1865. 
Died December, 1862. 
Mustered Out September i ;, 1865. 
Mustered out September 15, 1S65. 
Mustered out August 13, 1S65. 
Discharged October, 1863. 
Discharged December 7, 1S64. 
Transferred to V. R. C. 
Discharged September 10. 1864. 
Vet. Mustered out Fei>ruarv 3, 1866. 
\'et. Mustered out Dec. 14. 1S63. C<)rp"l_ 
Discharged May 20, 1S65. 

Died at New Orleans, October 15, 1S63. 

Mustered out September 6, 1S65. 
Discharged November 24, 1S64. Wounds. 
.Mustered out June 8, 1865. 
Mustered out June 8, 1S65. Corporal. 
Died in Rebel prison. Capt'd Feb. 14, "65. 



'63Musti.red out August 28, 15:65. 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



5^7 



Name and Rank. 


Co. 


Reg. 


Date of 
Muster. 


Remarks, 


Privates. 








Valentine, 'William... 


C 


79 


Aug. 15, '62 


Vandyke, Seward 


B 


99 


Aug, 15, "62 Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 


A'^olnier, ]acob 


II 
B 


i4S 
99 


Feb. 8, "651 Mustered out Sept., 1S65. 
Aug. 15, '62 Died May 9, 1S65. 


Vernon, Robert II 


A'irji'in, \'anes 


K 
B 


'34 

121 


May 4, "'H Mustered out. 


Vernon, John A 


Dec. 2^, '63 


Mustered out. 


A'olmer, Jacob 


I 

D 
G 


148 

5 Cav 


Feb. S, '65 
Sept. 21, '61 
Dec. 14, "63 
Aug. 25, "61 


Mustered out. 


A'arner, fohn 


Tansferred to artillery, Dec. 30, 1S63. 
Mustered out September 15, 1865. 


A'ail, John 


'\Vig-gins, John F 


B 


8 


Wiggins, I^awson 


B 


S 


Aug, 25, '61 




WiUon, Alfred 


B 


8 


Aug. 25, '61 


Killed at A^icksburg, May 23, 1863. 


Wilson, Adam F 


B 


S 


Aug. 25, "61 


Discharged April 29, 1S63. Disability. 


Welling, William W.. 


B 


8 


Aug. 25, '61 


Mustered out. 


Wcllin'g,John S 


B 


8 


Maj^ 30, '64 


Mustered out August 28, 1865. 


AVilcoxen. Edwin H.. 


B 


S 


Jan. '14, '64 


Died at AVashingtoii, August 3, 1S64, 


Wood, Robert T 


C 


9 


Feb. 14, '65 


Mustered out September '28. 1S65. 


White, John M 


C 


9 


Feb. 14, '61; 


Mustered out October 3, 1865. 


Welt, fianiel 


C 

c 

D 


9 
9 
9 


Feb. 14, -ez, 
Feb, 14, '6\ 
Feb. 24, '65 


Mustered out October 3, 18(15, 
Mustered out October 3, 186J;, 
Mustered out Octobers, 180c. 


Wolf, Joseph 


Whitse'l, Isaac N 


Williams, Charles J... 
Windell, William R... 


I 


q 


Feb. 24, "6^ Mustered out October 3, 1S65. 


B 


12 


May 15, '61 Mustered out May 19, 1862. 


AVinn, Joshua. . 


B 


12 


May 15, '61 


Mustered out May 19, 1S62. 


AVatson", James A 


B 


12 


May 15, '61 


Mustered out. 


Wiseman, Levi 


B 


12 


May 15, '6i 


Mustered out. 


AVinn. David T 


B 


12 


May 15, '61 


Discharged August i, 1861, 


AValker. MarcellusB.. 


G 


12 


Tulv IQ, "62 


Discharged June 11, 1S63, Wounds, 


AVhitell,John AV 


G 


I2ijuly IQ, "62 


Mustered out June 8, 1865, 


Wright, Aaron C 


G 


i2jjuly IQ, '62 


Killed at Resaca, May 13, 1S64, 


AVright, AVilliam . .. 


G 


12 July 19, '62 


Died at Camp Sherman, Sept. 8, 1S63. 


AValker. George D ... 


G 


12 Mar. 17, "64 


Died at Davis' Island, April, 1S65, 


AVard, Theodore 


F 


19 Mar. 8, '64 


Transferred to 20th regiment. 


AVatson, Henrv B 


F 


19 Feb, 2, "64 Unassigned. 


AViley, Daily.: 


L 


26 Feb. 2. -64 


Mustered out. 


AVilson, Jiidson C. .. 


I 


26 


Feb. 2, '65 


Mustered out. 


AA'ilson, Charles C 


I 


26 


Oct, 14, '64 


Mustered out. 


AA'illiams. George AV.. 


I 


26 


Oct, 14, '64 


Mustered out. 


Welsh. Thomas C 


C 


40 


Dec, 6, '61 


Discharged February 4, 1S62. AVounds. 


AVhorton, Elislia 


D 


5* 


Dec. 14, '61 Died at \'ashville, March 5, 1S64, 


AVindsor, George 


D 


S' 


Dec. 14, '61 


Died at Indianapolis, August 26, 1863, 


AVills, AVilliam R.... 


B 


S 


Aug, ig, "61 


Resigned Jan. 17, '63, Capt. Ent.SthCav, 


AVeaver, Charles II 


A 


57 


Dec. 9, "61 


A'et. Mustered out December 14, 1865. 


AA^ard, Michael 


A 


57 


Dec, 9, '61 


Discharged April 23, 1862, 


AValler, AVilliam 11.... 


B 


121 


Dec, 9, '61 


Mustered out August 28, 1865. 


AValler, Benjamin 


B 


121 


Dec. 9, '63 


Mustered out August 28, 1865. 


AVinn, John J 


B 
B 


9 Cav 
9 Cav 


Nov. 13, "63 Mustered out June 16, 1865, 
Nov, 13, "6i]Mustered out June 16, 1S65. 


AValls,John1l 


AValker, MarcellusB.. 


B 


9 Cav 


Nov, 13, "64 '.Mustered out August 28, 1S65, 


AValker, James S 


C 


79 


Aug. 15, '62jMustered out August 28, iS6i,. 


AVallsmith. AVilliam... 


C 


79 


Aug. 15, '62 


Mustered out June 7, 1865. 


AVort. John 


G 


5 Cav 


Aug. 16, '62 


Mustered out Jinic7, 1865, 


AViUett, Charles J .... 


G 


5 Cav 


Jan. 5, "64 


Mu.stered out June 7, iSCii, 


AA'itham, AVilliam P... 


G 


5 Cav 


Dec. 14, ■6j:Discharged December 20, 1S64. 


AVatts, George AV 


B 


99! Aug. 13, '62Mustered out June ^, 1S61;. 


AVaters, Samuel AV.... 


B 


99 


.Aug, 13, "62|Discharged July 12, 1S63. 


AVilson, AVilliam 


B 


99 


Aug. 13, '62 


Mustered out June 5, 1865, 


AVilson, AVilliam M... 


B 


99 


Aug, 13, '62 




AVood, Jeremiah 


B 


99 


Aug. 13, '62 


Mustered out June 5, 1S65. 


AVinn, .Madison 


B 


99 


Aug. 13, '62 


Died February 23, 1S63, 


AVithurst, A'inton 


B 


99 


Mar, 2^, '64 


Mustered out 'May 29, 1S65. 


Wright, Ilenrv AV 


B 


99: April 5, '64 


Died August 12, i'865. 
Mustered out August 4, 1S65, 


AVatson, AVilliam C... 


H 


i47[Feb. 14, '6^ 


AA'ishmire, Chris 


B 


14^ 


Feb. 14, '65 


Mustered out August 4, 1865, 


AA'hitaker, Morris 


B 


14S 


Feb. 14, '61; 


Mustered out August 4, 1865, 


AVhite, James J 


B 


14S 


Feb. 14, '6\ 


Mustered out August 4, 1865, 


AVclling, William.... 


B 


1 48 


Feb. 14, "65 


Mustered out August 4, 1S65, 


AVyant,' Isaac 


K 


'.?4 


May 24, "64 


Mustered out August 4, 1865, 


AValler, Isaac 


K 


1341 May 24, '64 


Mustered out. 


AVood. BobertAA' .... 


K 


134 May 24, '64 


Mustered out. 


AValler, William II.... 


B 


121 Dec. Q. '63 


Mustered out August 2S, 1865. 


AVinn, John J 


B 


121 


Nov, 13, '63 


Mustered out .\ugust 2S, 1805. 



;28 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY. 



Name and Rank. 



Privates, 

Watts, John II 

White, "Elijah 

AVoodhall, William H 

Wills, Samuel C 

AVishmire, Chris 

Whitaker, Morris 

Welling, Hamilton. .. 

AVhite, Elijah 

Walker, Samuel 

Wagoner, Lerov 

Welsh, John S. .". 

Wesley, John 

Woodruff, Jesse V C 

Yound, Leven T. " 

Yonse. Michael T 



Co. 


Reg. 


B 


121 


I 


14S 


I 


14S 


1 


>3' 


C 


14S 


C 


14S 


c 


148 


H 


14S 


D 


34 


1 


57 


K 


40 


V 


4S 


C 


19 


B 


148 


B 


OQ 



Date ok 
Muster. 



Nov. 13, 
Feb. S", 
Feb. 8, 
Jan. II, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Feb. 17, 
Sept. 21, 
Dec. 8, 
Dec. 6, 
Feb. 4, 



Feb. 17, 
Auff. 13, 



Remarks. 



Mustered out August 28, 1S65. 
Mustered out. 

Discharged March 7, 1S65. 
Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 
Mustered out Septeml)er 5, 1S65. 
Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 
Mustered out September 5, 1S65. 
Vet. Mustered out Feb. 3, '66. 
Mustered out December 14, 1864. 
Mustered out June 16, 1865. 

Died January 14, 1S65. 

Mustered out. 

Discharsred February 16, iS6_i;. 



Corp' 



Morgan Raid Men, 



Regiment 105, 
mustered out July 

Captain. 
A. K. Branham. 

first Lieutenant. 
William E. Hart. 

Second Lieutenant. 
George W. Walker. 

First Sergeant. 
Hatfield, J. Q; 

Sergeants. 

Edwards, Joshua 
Mitchell, William 
Crawford, F. H. 
Barrett, Samuel W. 

Corporals. 

Duncan, Sam. E. 
Snow, Nathaniel 
Wills. Jacob 
Dennis, J. L. 



Company E, mustered in July 11, 1863 
18, 1863: 



Privates. 

Aliman, Fred 
Allison, Asa H. 
Acker, Daniel 
Banks. A. J. 
Bennett, Calvin 
Buford. N. F. 
Baker. J. M. 
Bidgood, Thomas M. 
Ballenger, N. B. 
Bover, Samuel 
Bixler, David 
Bennett, George 
Burdett,J. L. 
Bush, Lerov 
Catt, Milton _ 
Church, X. K. 
Chittenden. D. B. 
Cliff, Charles 
Dickerson. S. T. 
Dailey, John 
Duncan. Ephraini 
Dcspo, Odfll 
Evans, William 
Egger, John 
CJooding, D. S. 
Goodinsi, E. W. 
Glass, G. W. 
Hook, Charles 
Hughes, C^, D. 



Hook, James 
Hafner, Ferdinand 
Hinchman, Vincent 
Tones, Samuel 
iKern, Hiram 
Lineback, A. B. 
Laird, John P. 
McCorkhill, John 
Meek, Stephen K. 
Martin, Matthias 
Offutt, Charles G. 
Porter, Tohn 
Porter, "Benjamin 
Porter, William 
Pierce, B. H. 
Kains, B. T. 
Hardin, T. C. 
Sleeth, ^L \. 
Skinner, Alfred 
Swopc, H. A. 
Short, Huuh 
Samuels, Thomas 
Thomas, Ezekiel 
Wills, A. D. 
West, David W. 
Williams, [. M. 
White, William H. 
Walker, John W., Set 
AValler, Isaac 
Wellington, Thomas. 



KILLED AND WOUNDED. 

William E. Hart, son of A. T. Hart, died of wounds at 
Lawrenceburg. Ferdinand Hafner and John Porter were 
killed in action. David S. Gooding and Benjamin T. 
Raines were wounded in action. 



PATRIOTISM OF HANCOCK COUNTV. 



529 



Regiment 106, Company D, mustered in July 10, 1863, 
and mustei'ed out July 17, 1863 : 



Caplain. 
Thomas C. Tuttle. 

First Lieutenant. 
Conrad H. Shell house. 

Second Lieutenant. 
(j. W. Stineback. 
First Sergeant. 

Boyce, James G. 

Sergeants. 

Kice, James T. 
Moore, William M. 
Tattman, F. M. 
Toon, John M. 

Corporals. 

Cjates, Henry. 
Toon, Eb. L. 
True, David X. 
Kirkhoft, C. H. 



Privates. 

I?urk, Samuel. 
IJailv, George, 
IJelor, I.. D; 
Helor, T. J. 
Conner, Moses. 
Carr, (i. W. 
Davis, M. P. 
Dornian, John. 
Eaton, W. T. 
Eaton, Uluford. 
Eaton, Eeland M. 
Eaton, Thomas S. 
Eaton, Charles W. 
Eaton, Lewis. 
Eaton, Charles. 
Eaton, John \V. 
Everson. Joseph. 
Ely, J. M. 
Enufland, John. 
Elliott, John. 
Fowler, Benjamin. 
Fowler, A. C. 
Furry, Francis. 
Gray, John H. 
Gray, George W. 
Gray, David. 
(Jibson, W. T. 
Gundrum, John. 
Harris, G. W. 
Harris, William. 



Hohbs, Thomas J. 
Hawk, Adam. 
Hudson, Edward. 
Higgenbotham, T. W. 
linson.John. 



^ 



..ingery, John. 
Kitclien, \Villiani. 
Manchee, John. 
McRoberts, H. M. . 
McXamee, G. F. 
McGaughey, Andrew. 
Murphy, l^ewis B. 
Nichols, Stewart. 
Kice, Perry E. 
Itichardson, H. W. 
Jlichardson, E. H. 
Russell, John. 
Stewart, |olin. 
Swift, Oliver P. 
Shellhouse, C. W. 
Schreiber, II. A. 
Stirk, Pressley H. 
Stutsman, Andrew. 
Stutsman, H. C. 
Sutherland, Ashley. 
Tuttle, Oliver H. 
Tliompson, Andrew. 
Ulrey, leflcrson. 
^'est, Roland. 
AVard, H. B. 
Wright, Oeorge. 



A PARTIAL LIST OF OUR PATRONS. 



BLUE-RIVER TOWNSHIP 



Allen, Thompson, gardener. Hill, Samuel B., farmer. 
Anderson, James, farmer. Hunt, John, farmer. 

Andrews, Jos. O., physician. Hendren, Jerry, farmer. 
Binford, Jos. O., f 'mr &minis'r. Johns, Robison, farmer. 



Binford, Penn, farmer. 
Brooks, William, farmer. 
Brown, John, farmer. 
Binford, Nathan, farmer. 
Binford, Wm. L., farmer. 
Butler, Joseph, farmer. 
Beeson, John, farmer. 
Bentley, J. H., farmer. 
Binford, J. L., merchant. 



Johns, George, farmer. 
Jessup, Lewis C, farmei^. 
Jessup, Levi, farmer. 
Kyzer, John, farmer. 
Kyzer, Michael, farmer. 
Luse, W. S., f 'mr, & tile mTr. 
Moore, William, fr.rmer. 
McCarty, John, farmer. 
Newby, Nathan, farmer. 



Beeson, A. C, Ed. &ex-R'c\lr. Rule, L. J., f 'mr & lumber dTr. 



Coffin. J. F., farmer. 
Cook, John, farmer. 
Caldwell, J. M., farmer. 
Coffield, Barnabas, farmer. 
Cook, Eli H., farmer. 
Coffin, Elihu, Sr., farmer. 
Coffin, N. D.. farmer. 



Sample, C. G., farmer. 
Stanley, J. H., farmer. 
Tyner, Alonzo, farmer. 
Tyner, Elijah, farmer. 
Tyner, Frank, farmer. 
Tyner, Elbert, farmer. 
Tyner, J. M., Tr. SiR.K Ag't. 



Dennis, A., farmer and Conir. Tyner, William H., farmer. 



Gates. Dayton H., farmer. 
Hill, Thomas E., Trustee. 
Hackleman, Lemuel, farmer. 
Hatfield, G. W., farmer. 



Warrum, R., teacher &. farmer, 
Wolf, J. G., miller &. farmer. 
Wolf, Jesse, farmer. 
White, Aaron, farmer. 



BRANDY WINE TO WN.S II IP 



Andis, J. R., farmer. Boring, Lewis, merchant. 

l-Jentley, T. E., f'mr & Com'r. Boyce, James G., grain-dealer. 
Hanks, J. P., farmer. Brown, A. T., farmer. 



OUR PATRONS. 531 

Comstock, J. W., farmer. Porter, W. H., butcher. 

CoUycr, Wellington, farmer. Pope, Coleman, f'mr & Trustee. 

Duncan, Henry, farmer. Pope, I. N., farmer. 

Gates, Henry, farmer. Roberts, John, farmer. 

Larabee, T. W., Justice. Rhue, Hiram, farmer. 

Larimore, J. W., physician. Service, J. G., ex-Tr. & f'mr. 

Lucas, John, miller. . Smith, R. A., Superintend'nt. 

Low, Uriah, ex-Justice & f'mr. Thomas, Wm., ex-Sh'f & f'mr. 

Muth, Geo., minister & f'mr. Thomas, John S., farmer. 

Melbourn, W. A., farmer. Wilson, B. F., Justice & f'mr. 

McDougal, D., Tr. & f'mr. Wilson, John W., farmer. 

Potts, Alfred, farmer. Wilson, W. F., farmer. 

Porter, J. W., farmer. Watts, W. H., farmer. 
Porter, F. M., farmer. 

BROWN TOWNSHIP, 

Armstrong, T. H., farmer. Holiday, Amaziah, farmer. 

I^ridges, John, farmer. Hatfield, W. E., farmer. 

Bridges, Alonzo, farmer. Ha3'es, J. B., farmer. 

Bussel, W. P., farmer, Hayes, R. R., farmer. 

Brewer, W. W., farmer. Hayes, Stockley, farmer. 

Boyer, William, farmer. Jones, J. C, miller. 

Blakely, Mary, farmer. Johnson, Mary, farmer. 

Cook, John F., farmer. Johnson, A. H., farmer. 

Cook, L. J., harness-maker. Julian, Emsley, farmer. 

Collier, M., teacher & farmer. Johns, Mathew, blacksmith. 

Caldwell, W. G., ex-Sh'f & f'mr. Kenyon, William, blacksmitli. 

Combs, John, farmer. Kenyon, Henry, blacksmith. 

Cook, Lorenzo D., farmer. Kennedy, J. C, farmer. 

Collins, J. W., farmer. McDaniel, J. A., fjirmer. 

Collins, Robert J., farmer. McCarty, J. M., farmer. 

Collins, Samuel C, farmer. Miller, John, shoemaker. 

Eakins, J. A., farmer. Marsh, J. F., farmer. 

Forts, Moses C., farmer. Martindale, J. N., farmer. 

Fowler, G. T. C, painter. Morris, Alonzo, farmer. 

Foust, Jacob, farmer. Marsh, Henry, farmer. 
Garrett, Jos., Justice & f'mr. McCray, Phineas, farmer, 

(jarrett, Henry C, merchant. Newkirk, Jas. D., farmer. 
(Jraham, M. F., farmer. Nibarger, John, farmer. 

Harlan, J. P., Ass'r &. f'mr. Power, W. H., miller. 
ILmna, R. D., physician. Reeves, B. F., Justice and f'mr. 



532 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK: COUXTV 



Reeves, Jane, farmer. 
Sunimerville, W., farmer. 
Sparks, William, farmer. 
Trees, William, physician. 
Tharp & Bro., merchants. 
Thomas, J. M., farmer. 



Thomas, A. B., merchant. 
Thomas, W. J., farmer. 
Vandyke, John, blacksmith. 
White, John W., farmer. 
Whistler, Morgan, blacksmith. 
Vandvne, Isaac, farmer. 



BUCK-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



Apple, J. H., farmer. 
Apple, Mahlon, Ass'r & fmr. 
Boyd, D. D., farmer. 
Burris, Thomas, farmer. 
Bates, M., farmer and teach'r. 
Collins, James E., fiirmer. 
Collins, William, farmer. 
Crump, C. F., farmer. 
Dance, Mary L., teacher. 
Duncan, John T., farmer. 
Dunn, William A., farmer. 
Eastes, J. C, Trustee & fmr. 
Eastes, O. M., farmer. 
Eastes, W. W., farmer. 
Fink, Andrew, farmer. 
Fish, Abitha, farmer. 
Grist, George, blacksmith. 
Grist, Aquilla, farmer. 
Harvey, O. O., ex-Tr. & fmr 
Hendricks, G. W., farmer. 
Hoss, J. S., farmer. 
Hamilton, Cicero, farmer. 
Herr, Kasper, farmer. 
Harvey, Milton, farmer. 



List, George, fiirmer. 
McConnell, Wm., J. P. & fmr. 
Murphy, James H., farmer. 
Mints, Morton, farm.er. 
Mints, N. W. S., teach'r & f mr 
Mints, T. H., teacher & fmr. 
Parker, Allen, farmer. 
Parker, George W, farmer. 
Rose, Edward D., J. P., & fmr. 
Roney, Benj. A., farmer. 
Snyder, Rebecca D., farmer. 
Steele, James, farmer. 
Steele, Frank, farmer. 
Shelby, J. W., ex-Sh'f & fmr. 
Sanford, F. M., farmer. 
Scotton, W. W., farmer. 
Stoner, E, E., teacher. 
Snyder, M. O., farmer. 
Scotton, Ebinezer, farmer. 
Smith, William, farmer. 
Steele, Ebenezer, farmer. 
Thomas, E., fmr & ex-Com'r. 
Wright, Jos., fmr & ex-J. P. 
Welling, Hamilton, farmer. 



CENTER TOWNSHIP. 

Adams, M. M., physician. Bussel, H. P., farmer. 

Alexander, J. C, miller. Bussel, William, farmer. 

Alford, Logan, farmer. 13radley, William, farmer. 

Bradley, Nelson, banker. Bohm, John, baker. 
Brown, R. P., auct'neer & fmr. Chandler, M., b'k'r & Rep've. 

Burdett, W. C, merchant. Crawford, F. H., druggist. 

Boots, S. S., physician. Carter, Sarah J., milliner. 



OUR PATRONS. 533 

Currv, Isaiah A., Tieas. & f niiiMarsh, J. L.. physician. 
Cooper, R. D., Tr. and f'mr. Marsh, Ephraini, Clerk of C"t. 
Corcoran & Wilson, und'kers. New, James A., attorney. 
Cooper, Lewis, farmer. Oftutt, Charles G., attorney- 
Curtis, G. W., lumber-dealer. Ogg, A. L., Atty. antl farmer. 
Dove, G. W., shoemaker. Pope, Aaron, Superintendent. 
Dickerson, S. T., trader & f'mr. Pratt, Joshua J., farmer. 
Elsbury, Jackson, farmer. Potts, Wm., f'mr & ex-Trustee. 
Ellis, Charlotte A., farmer. Reeves, A. T., farmer. 
Fries, W. S., Surv'r and eng'r. Rhue, A. N., teacher & Ass'r. 
Forgy, Marion, farmer. Steele, Marion, f'mr & ex-Atty. 
Finnell, V. H., teacher. Sears, William, farmer, 
(iant, W. S., grocer. Sager, William, farmer. 
Gant, T. A., grocer. Sebastian, W. O., farmer, 
(irose, E. B. druggist. Smith, Abner, farmer. 
Gooding, D. S., atty., ex-S. & J. Slifer, Jacob, farmer. 
Goble, D. H., implem't dealer. Sparks, W. J., Mayor. 
Glasscock, W. H., teacher. Scott, W. G., miller. 
Hart, A. T., merc'nt since '33. Selman, J. W., physician. 
Howard, N. P., Sr., physician. Svvope, Mary Mrs., farmer. 
Ilenb}', J. K., fruit-tree dealer. Thayer, H. B., merchant. 
Hughes, J. A., banker. Tague, George, physician. 
Hinchman, J. M., grocer. Walker. J. Ward, merchant. 
Hall, J. A., physician. Williams, H.J. , furniture dealer. 
Hamilton, M. W., R. R. Ag't. Wright, Henry, Auditor. 
Hauck, Geo. F., grocer. Wright, W. M., Dep. Auditor. 
Hawk, Adam, farmer. Willet, ]M. T., farmer. 
Hackleman, A., farmer. Waldsmith, Henry, farmer. 
Judkins, E. I., physician. Wiggins, C. A., farmer. 
Judkins, Leander, farmer. Wilson, J. T., farmer. 
Morgan, J. M., carriage dealer. White, J. H., f'mr and ex-Rep. 
Mason, J. L., Att\'. and ex-Sen. Walker, M. S., shoemaker. 
McBane, W. F., attorney. Wright, E. M., farmer. 
Marsh, M.. attorney. 

GREEN TOWNSIIU'. 

Alford, Samuel, farmer. Barrett, T. T., farmer. 

-Vlfor:', D. H.. farmer. Barrett, B. L., farmer. 

Barrett, A. H., ex-merchant. Collins, Wm., J. P.. and Tres. 

Baity, D. H., farmer. Curtis, Henry, blacksmith. 

Bclor, W. IL, farmer. Frank, G. P., farmer. 



534 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



Fencll, Marion, fannLM". 
Frank, M. L., farmer. 
Henry, J. T., farmer. 
Hiday, A. C, farmer. 
Jackson, S. D., farmer. 
Jackson, F. P., farmer. 
Justice, W. A., physician. 
Keller, J. jSI., farmer. 
Keller, E. E., farmer. 
Keller, L. A., farmer. 
Loomis, Benjamin, farmer. 
Lawrence, C.P., carriage-ni'kr. 
McKirisey, W. L., f 'mr & Tr. 
Moore, Sidney, f 'mr & Tr. 
Moore, B. F., saw mill prop. 
McClarnon, Thos., farmer. 
Mingrle, Georsfe, farmer. 
Mingle, M. A., farmer. 
Moore, Sarah, farmer. 
McCarty, J. P., farmer. 

JACKSON 

Addison, J., f'mr and ex-Rep. 
Braddock, J. R., farmer. 
Braddock, Noah, farmer. 
Beaver, H. P., farmer. 
Barrett, John S., farmer. 
Craft, J. A., ex-mer'nt & f'mr. 
Clift, B. B., farmer. 
Clark, Berdinc, farmer. 
Derry, Joel, farmer. 
Earl, Elisha, Min. and f "mr. 
Forts, C. H., farmer. 
Hammer, A. W., blacksmith. 
Higgins, M. R., farmer. 
Heim, Charles, farmer. 
Hess, H. H., physician. 
Huston, W. H., blacksmith. 
Jackson, G. H., farmer. 
Keck, William, farmer. 
I^cwis. W. ]M., f'mr & teacher. 



Mc\"ey, Jame?, farmer. 
Olvey, Levi, farmer. 
O'Harra, Daniel, farmer. 
Rolierts, Lcander, f'mr cS: tr'dr. 
Ryan, J. S., f.irmer. 
Souders, J. F., farmer. 
Smith, J., fmr and ex-Com. 
Troy, C. H., merchant. 
Troy, S. A., physician. 
Trueblood, J.^und'tkr &■ ] . P. 
Thomas, I. E., farmer. 
VanCamp, S. E., merchant. 
Wilson, Archibald, farmer. 
Wilson, H. B., farmer. 
Walker, Miles, niinister cS: f mr. 
Walker, J. M., farmer. 
Walker, M. B., dr'g'st & fmr. 
Webb, James F., farmer. 
Webb, J. T., farmer. 
Warrum, Wm., f 'mr & Ass'r. 

TOWNSHIP, 

Lewis, J. S., f'mr and e.K-Com. 
Loudenback, D. R., farmer. 
Loudenback, Henry, farmer. 
Loudenback, Joseph, farmer. 
Landis, G. W., ex-Justice. 
Landis, J. H., Eng. & ex-Sur. 
Long, J. H.. farmer. 
McKowan, J. H., f'mr & ex-Tr. 
McClarnon, J. F., f'mr & Tr. 
Mitchell, J. L., fmr & teacher. 
McKinley, Robert, farmer. 
Moore, John W., farmer. 
McConias, H. E., farmer. 
McClarnon, Robert S., farmer. 
Osborn, L. T., farmer. 
Roland, J. R., druggist. 
Smith, Richard, farmer. 
Sample, A. V.B., f'mr & teacher. 
Scott, J. H.. carpenter. 



OUR PATRONS. 



535 



Scott, E. H., farmer. 
Scott, E. P., Fmr & ex-Coiii. 
Sipes, Z. H., farmer. 
Steele, Ila, farmer. 
Simmons, Wm., farmer. 
Simmons, Noah, farmer. 
vSmith, Anthony, farmer. 
Thomas, L. B., farmer. 



Walker, Meridith, farmer. 
Warrum, N., f 'mr tK: ex-Rep. 
Walker & Conklin, merchants. 
Wright, J. E., physician. 
Wales, S. M., farmer. 
Wales, J. M., farmer. 
Wales, Henry, farmer. 
Williams, S. P., farmer. 



Thomas, J. E. & Bro., merc'nt. Williams, Wesley, farmer. 



Thomas, Philander, farmer. 
Thomas, David, farmer. 
Thomas, W. M., farmer. 
Thomas, M. C, farmer. 
Thomas, James, farmer. 
Thompson, John, farmer. 



Williams, W. B., farmer. 
Williams, Thomas, farmer 
Wayts, Amos, farmer. 
White, W. P., farmer. 
Williams, W. R., farmer. 



SUGAR-CREEK TOWNSHIP. 



Armstrong, J. P., plasterer. 
Ashcraft, John, farmer. 
Atherton, C. H., merchant. 
Barnard, W. C, f'mi' &. Tr. 
Brown, J. 11., farmer, 
nittner, John, shoemaker. 
Brandenhurg, H. D., trader. 
Brandenburg, James, farmer. 
Biissel, L. M., farmer. 
Hrier, W. F., farmer. 
Black, Rufus, f 'mr & miller. 
Brier, C. H., farmer. 
Coyner, J. V., engineer. 
Caraway, Samuel, farmer. 
Dye, John E., f 'mr & Com. 
Eaton, W. T., merchant. 



Foglesong, L. S., tavern P'r. 
Gundrum, C, farmer. 
Hogle, A. P., miller. 
Harvey, F. M.. farmer. 
Hawk, J. C.', farmer. 
Hawk, D. F., teacher. 
Hudson, Benjamin, farmer. 
Kirkhoft', Anton, farmer. 
Knopp, Christ, farmer. 
King, W^. R., physician. 
Kuntz, J. G., farmer. 
Leachman, W., farmer. 
Leonard, J. A., farmer. 
Lantz, John, farmer. 
Murnan, George, farmer. 
McNamee, Benj., farmer. 



Espey, Paul & Espey, phy'ns. Meek, R. M., merchant. 
Freemen, B. F., f 'mr & tr'dr. Morris M. T., farmer. 
Font, E., cariage'mkr & Treas. Moore, W. H., farmer. 
Fowler, Benjamin, farmer. Nichols, Wm., min. & f "mr. 

Fritts, Joseph, farmer. Richman, A. F. G., hrickm'ldr. 

Fout, E. W., farmer. Richman, Lewis, farmer. 

Foley, M. C, farmer tSc ex- Ex'r. Sheltmeier, Anton, farmer. 
Fink, Henry, farmer. .Stunph, H. B., farmer. 



536 



HISTORY OF HANCOCK COUNTY 



Smith, A. (J., blacksmith. 
Snodgrass, V. R., farmer. 
vStout, Eh, painter. 
Schramm, A., farmer. 
Schramm, G., farmer. 
Smith, M. ]?., farmer. 
Smock, S, E., farmer. 



Stutsman, 11., P. saw «S: pFg ni's 
ShcUmeier, O. F., farmer. 
Vansicklc, J. C, merchant. 
Weber, Henry, farmer. 
Wilkins, Harrison, farmer. 
Waltke, F. H., boot & sho'mkr 
Wood, W. A., teacher «t Ass'r 



VERNON TOWNSHIP 



Alfrey, Edward, farmer. 
Arnett, Samuel, f'mr and Tr. 
Bills, Josephus. merchant. 
Hills, W. S.. f'mr and ex-mer. 
J^ills, Aired, farmer. 
Brewster, F. W., druggist. 
Brooks, Samuel, f 'mr & poet. 
Brown, David, merchant. 
Caudell, David, min. i^ f'mr. 
Crist, G. P., baker. 
Caldwell, Harvey, merchant. 
Caldwell, William, farmer. 
Crossley, Henry, farmer. 
Cushman, Isaac, farmer. 
Cook, W. N., farmer. 
Cook, J. P., farmer. 
Cook, J. M., farmer. 
Chappell, L. W., f mr & ex-J.P. 
Chappell, A. R., Assessor. 
Davidson, H. S., farmer. 
Dunham, Franklin, farmer. 
Dcnney, Alfred, farmer. 
Eakes, J. R., farmer. 
Elder, W. C, farmer. 
Fisher, E.J. , saloonist. 
Fred, Israel, merchant. 
Givin, Elizabeth, farmer. 
Hagan, A., trader & cx-Treas. 
Hardin, C. V., blacksmith. 
Harvey, T, P., physician. 
Helms, W. F,, farmer. 
Hasting, O. P.. Justice. 



Jackson, G. H., f'mr & ex-mer. 
Jackson, U. S., ex-Tr. Sz mer, 
Jones, J. M., physician. 
Jones, S. S., farmer. 
Lykins, P., farmer. 
McCord, E., f'mr <S: ex-Com. 
McCord,J. W., farmer. 
McCord, E. H., Justice. 
McCord, A., farmer 
McCord, Jacob, farmer. 
McCord, Smith, f'mr Si ex-Rep. 
Morrison, W., f'mr <!v: trader. 
Mcrrell, J. S., farmer. 
Rash, W. R., farmer. 
Rash, J. K., farmer. 
Rash, John F., farmer. 
Ryan, Joseph, farmer. 
Stewart, J. G., physician. 
Shafer, W., farmer. 
Small, John, blacksmith. 
Shultz, James, farmer. 
Simmons, T. S., harnessmaker. 
Shafer, Andrew, farmer. 
Thomas, Levi, t 'mr A: ex-Trcas. 
Thomas, A. H., druggist. 
Thomas, J. H., farmer. 
Tiiompson, W. E., merchant. 
Thompson, Rose, teacher. 
Wright, J. M., blacksmith. 
Wynn, Joseph, farmer. 
Wilson, Robert G., farmer. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



LONG BRANCH 

DRY GOODS STORE 

South State Street, Opposite Court House, 

GREENFIELD, IND. 




o 

y S 

'f- y> 

o bi 
(^ ^ 

CD t^ 

^§ 

'-; '/- 
-/- ^ 

x p 



A FULL LINE OF 

CARPETS AHD MILLIHERY GOODS. 

EVERYTHING SOLD AX 

ROCK-BOTTOM PRICES. 

I.EE C. XHAYER, 

PROPRIETOR. 

35 



al)Vp:rtisemexts. 

O. F. MEEK. Established in 1864. R. M. MEEK. 

MEEK & BROTHER, 

DEALERS IN 

Drv Goods, Groceries! 

Hardisrare and Cutlery, 

Also keep constantly on hand a large assortment of 

Reailv-Maile Clotliinp;, Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes ! 

In fact, everv variety of articl>;s generally kept in a well regulated store. We will 
not be undersold hy any house in the county. Give us a call Before purchasing else- 
where. Country produce taken in exchan<re for goods. 

Mammoth Shoe Store! 

South-East Corner Main and Staats Sts., 

FORTMLLE, - INDIANA. 



)MIM SM^LCa 



The proprietor, keeps constantly on hand all kinds of men's boys" and youths' boots and 
shoes. Also, women's, misses' and chifdi'en's fine and coarse shoes. Rubber boots and 
over-shoes, a full stock, and everything else usually kept in 

A FIRST-CLASS SHOE STORE! 

Also, making .and mending done to order. Everything sold at the lowest cash price. 
Give me a call and be convinced. 

X. B. General line of notions kept on Iiand. 

JOHN SMAIL, 
Fortville, Ind. 



ADVERT I SEMENTS . 



WILLIAM MITCHELL'S 



-^^^^ 



•STEAM 



BOOK AND JOB 

PHINTINO HOUSE 

No. 25 SOUTH STATE ST., 

GREENFIELD, - INDL4NA. 




PUBLISHER OF THE "OLD RELIABLE," 

THE HANCOCK DEMOCRAT, 



A SPLENDID LINE OF 

FINE STATIONERY 

ALWAYS KEPT IN STOCK. 

This History is a sample of the Printing etccuted at this Establishment 



ADVERTISEMENTS . 



THE GUYMON HOUSE, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 
THE BOSS AND ONLY HOTEL IN THE CITY, 

FURNISHES 

SQAREMEALSiCLEANBEDS 

AT REASONABLE RATES. 

Farmers and others when in the city are cordially 
invited to give us a call. 

A good Livery Stable conveniently connected. 

JACKSON W^ILLS, 

PROPRIETOR. 

21ENJ. X. RAINS, 

MANUFACTURER OF RIFLES! 

REPAIRING DONE ON 

RIFLES, SHOT GUNS, PISTOLS I REVOLVERS- 

ALL WORK WARRANTED. 

COK. OF NORTH AND SWOPE STS., 

GREENFIELD, - - - INDIANA. 
E. SKIIsTNER, 

"J.".^^ .L JL-i C»/ ,JrC - 

MAKIHG, CLEAHIHG I REPAIRIHG 

ON SHORT NOTICE AT REASONABLE PRICES. 

SHOP ON NORTH ST., THIRD DOCR WEST OF CATHOLIC CHURCH, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 



AUVKRTISEMENTS. 



1855. T. O. 1832. 

john a. hughes, 

Real Estate and Loan Agent, 

Loans Money, Buys and Sells Real Estate, Receives Deposits, Issues Drafts, Buys and Sells U. 

S. Gouernment Bonds, Does a General Banking ani Real Estate Business. 

Collections and Mortgage Loans a Specialty. 

Office in liis own ]^nilding-, No. 7 S. Penn. St., 
OHEENFIELD, INDIANA. 

SEWING MACHINE SUPPLIES: « 

|Needle8,0ils, AttaGhmentsfFindings for all Machines. | 

I LOUIS YOUNG, AGENT | 

-' FOU 5*. 

!TpEI\[EW[l0ME^EWll3iyiA(]HlE.| 

Barber Shop, West Eoom, Guymon House. " 

JAMES V^. WILSON, J. P. 

SPECIAL ATTENTION GIVEN TO THE 

C0LLECTI0No?GLMM8,FiRE INSURANCE 

AND AGENT FOR 

WALTER A. WOOD'S WUiE BIfJBER, 

OFKUK (IVKlt CKII. K. IIAKK'SSrVK (JKIH KHY, 

aHKENFIELD, INDIANA, 

ISRAEL P. POULSON. WILLIAM F. McBANE. 

POULSOX & McBANE, 
ATTORN HYS | COUNSELORS AT LAW, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



EUGENE W. WOOD, 



DEALER IN 



Coal, Wood, Lime, Laths, Hair, Sliiiitfles, 

Sewer Pipes and Fire-Clay Chimney Pipes, 

YARD NEAR GREENFIELD FLOURING MILLS, 

GEORGE F. HAMMEL, 

■ ^^^P ^ "^"j^ii ^"5^ ^»^™r ^^^iT ^^StW^I^ >^^[ tm 

GREENFIELD, - - - INDIANA. 

Prescriptions Carefully Compounded. 

NONE BUT PURE DRU(rS USED. 

Family Receipts a Specialty. 

NEW SUNBEAM GALLERY! 

IN RAN DALE'S 13JX)('K, 

GREENFIELD, - - INDIANA. 

New Room, New Liglit, New Scenery, ;in(l New Outfit! 

Kijfhtcen yeiirs experience guarantees perfect s-iitisfaction. Pictures copied anJ en- 
larged lo any size. Call in and see nie before you send your pictures ofl'. 

W. T. WEBB, Proprietor, 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



E. H. FAUT & BRO., 

Wagon I Carriage Makers, 

If Eir Fm^ESTIM m, IMP, 

General Blacksiiiitliiiig and Repairiii,i5 ! 

KEEP ON HAND A GENERAL ASSORTMENT OF 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMEHTS. 

Thankful for past patronage, we ask for a continuance of the same. 
All work warranted to give satisfaction. 

North Main Street, New Palestine, Indiana. 
BREWSTER & THOMAS, 

O. K. DRUa STORE, 

North-East Corner Main and Railroad Sts., 

DEALERS IX 

PURE DRUGS AND CHEMICALS! 

Paints, Oils, Varnishes, Fancy and Toilet Articles, Perfumery, Stationery. 

A IT'LL LINE OF 

PATENT MEDICINES 

RISWKYS DN HiiNn, 

Prsscrir'ticns Carsfullv Comi:ounied ! 

A Liberal Share of the Public Patronage is Solicited. 



AD\ERTISEMENTS. 



WILLIAM KENYON 



■\7V«-n*ixxst;oia., Xx3.c].±£t,x3.c^^ 



I 




rr 



Ai aiAGE lAI 



Pill 



EVERY VARIETY OP' WORK DONE, INCLUDING 



"Wood "Work f Painting! 

Repairing in all its Various Ways, 

Horse-Shoeing in the Most Approved Style. 

Having recentlv added to my shop all the new and improved tools, I am now pre- 
pared to do all kinds of Work in my line. Thankful for pa's! favors. I hope by strict at- 
tention to business to merit a liberal share of patriinaye. Shop near the United Brethren 
Church, Warrington, Indiana. Kstablislied in ijios. 

J. E. THOMAS. A. H. THOMAS. 

THOMAS BH08.. 

Cleveland, Ind., Dealers in 

BMW GQ&B^, QEQCEEIES, 

Hats, Caps, Boots and Shoes, 

Hardware and Agricultural Implements ! 

Paints, Oils, Putty, Glass, Coal Oil, 

Pure Spices, Groceries, Patent Medicines 

And a full line of goods usually ke])t iu a general store. Our stock of 

Notions, Ladies' Sress Eoods, Prints, Cassimsres, Etc., is Complete, 

AND WILL 3E SOLD VERY LOW. 



ADVERTISEMENTS . 



PUENITUEE! 



.A.T 



) n 




a 



^ 



CI 



s 



GRXSENFIEIjD, intd. 



u 





fle 




I 



AND WE ARE PKEl'AHED TO 



EMBALM i PRESERVE 



'I'lie dead for anv leisonablc Iciiijth of tiinc. accorJin<f to the most modfrii. scieiilihc 
and approved mctliods. Come and see us. Our motto: "l-air dealiui^." 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 
ESTABLISHED IN 185J 



MAMMOTH 

PI nTiiniP uniinn 



DRY GOODS AND 



unjiiiiiiu iiuuul: 



OF 



J. WARD WALKER & CO. 

WE KEEP ON IIA^^I) A AVELL 



OF 



FIRST-CLASS GOODS! 

WILL NOT BE UNDERSOLD. 

.WARDWALKER&CO. 

Randall's Block, Ho. 22 Main St, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 



ADVERTISEMENTS . 
H.W.WALKER. H. G. AMICK. 

WALKER & AMICK. 

(Successors to Thos. A. Gant) 
GREEIVFIEI^O, - INDIANA. 



HAYING PURCHASED THE WELL-KNOWN 

GROCERY HOUSE 

OF THOMAS A. GANT, 

AVe would be pleased to have all of the old patrons and as many more new ones call 
and see us, examine our stock and price our goods. We have largely increased the stock 

and feel confident that we can save money to all those who want 

Groceries, Oiieensware, Glassware, Toliaccos, Ciprs, Caiiilies, Friiils, 

And such other articles as are usually found in a first-class (Jrocery Store. 
xVJIarge supply of O-A-KT^NTUZD Gr^^C^UDS constantly on hand. 
■Remember the place, first door West of Masonic Hall, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 



A. L. SULLIVAN. ,E. C. DUNCAN. 

SULLIVAN & DUNCAN, 

MANUFACTURERS OF 

Picture Frames ^ Fly Screens, 



No. 31 MAIN STREET, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 



PARTICULAR ATTENTION GIVEN TO 

srcH AS 

SAW GUMIVIING and FILING A SPECIALTY. 

Motto: Good Work and Fair Dealing. 



AD VE V RTISE M KNTS . 



M.. W, FITS, 

CONTRACTOR ® BUILDER 



IPC 



BRICK-WORK AND MASONRY, 

Furnishes PJans, Specifications and Estimates for 
any and all kinds of Buildings. Agent for 

WILLIAM L. PERKINS' 

MARIiLElZED IRON AND SLATE MANTELS I GRATES. 

Residence, Corner of Walnut and Penn. Sts., 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 



JDHN B, CHAPPUIS; 

DEALER IN 

American and Italian JIarbfe, Granite^ 

Lime, Sand and all kinds cf Building Stone, 

Office, Two Blocks South of the Freight Depot, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 
JOHN IftT. CARTER, 

Iron, Galvanized and Lead Pipes, Rubber Hose, 

lm.)ro/ed Driven Wall Points. VVoad, Iron and Force Pumps, 
Wind Mills, Etc. Driven Wells made and repair- 
ed, and Legal License furnished with- 
out extra charge. Office at 

D. H. Goble's Agricultural Rooms, South Pennsylvania St., 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



A. T. HART. 



H. B. THAYER. 



HART & THAYER, 



THE 



"OLD RELIABLE! 



jy 



WE HAVE 



Tlie Lai^est Li:e 




THE 



LARGEST 



ES T 



s lose 



ANY HOUSE 



STATE OF INDIANA, 



EASTERN INDIANA. 



We wish to snv to the citizens of Hancock County that we now have one of the best 
stocks of Goods in store ever before oftered to the public, consisting of every variety of 

CLOTHING, BOOTS AND SHOES! 



AND AN ENDLESS VARIETY OF 



FANCY NOTIONS. 

We ask you to call and examine our lar^e stock when in Greenfield. 

Thankful for past patronaije. we respectfully ask a continuance of the same, prom- 
isinij m the future, as in the past, fair dealing with all. 

OPPOSITE COURT HOUSE, 
GREENFIELD, - - INDIANA. 



AD\ERTIS]iMKNTS. 



H, a, GAHHIOTT, 



niCALKir i\ 



DRY GOODS, NOTIONS! 

BOOTS AND SHOES, 

Also keens on li;iiul a general assortment of articles e.suallv found in a first-class 
house. All kinds of 

Country Produce Taken in Exclian^^e 

FOR GOODS. 

Thankful for past pitronaLje, he hopes bv strict attention to business to merit a sliarc 
of public patronai^e. Call and examine his tjoo.ls before p.irchasinij elsewhere. 

H. C. GARRIOTT, 

Warrington, Ind. 



jroiniir m.. 



lEMjSkWW^r 



DEAl-EU IX 







IT 







GROCERIES, NOTIONS, 

CUTLERY, PAINTS AND OILS, 

Prescriptions Carefully Compounded ! 



CHARLOTTESVILLE, INDIANA. 




ADVERTISEMENTS . 

ALL FARMERS, 
MERCHANTS, 

BUSINESS MEN, 
MECHANICS, 

WANTING ANYTHING IN THE 



FRUIT ^URNAMENTALIJEPARTMENT 



SUCH AS 



APPLE, PEAR, CHERRY, PEACH, 



plum: 



IIECIDUOIIS AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, 

AVoiilcl do well to see me l^efore piirclias- 
ing' elsewhere. I liave liad an exi^eri- 
(;nce of many years in transplant- 
ing', cultivating and handling a 
gcncn^al nursery stock. All 
fruit Avarranted flrst- 
class and true to 
name. 

I ALSO DEVOTE PART OF MY TIME TO 



AUOTI0N 



SATISFACTION GUARANTEED BOTH IN WORK 
AND PRICE. 

RESIDENCE: W. MAIN ST., GREENFIELD, IND. 

ROBERT P. BROWN. 



-\I>\"ES.TESE>CEXT^ . 



DE.4X.EUt IX 



mU'A BOOKS, STATIONERY, PAINTS WD OILS. 



J3*rj.-i.v..i. 



Dkx n.^MILTOX & SPALDING. 
ofgree: \a. 

LOCATED DENTISTS. 



C()R. OF MAIN AND PENNSYLVANU STS. 



SIGN PiiniNGTM) PAPER HAXGIXG 

DOfHEE- 

JAMES MEEK. 



1BTBP 



S^X^X^S, I^^I^^^, 






ADVERTISEMENTS . 

"WE STILL LIVE." 



iri]c t)ancocl\ Jcffcrsouiaiu 

ISSUED EVERY SATURDAY MORNING 

BY 

R. J. STRICKLA^SD, 

GREENFIELD, INDIA^iA. 



SUBSCRIPTION ONE DOLLAR PER YEAR. 



A PAPER FOR THE PEOPLE IN EVERY RESPECT. 



SPECIAL mmm siven io mmm mmn mm 



HAS A CORRESPONDENT AT EVERY POST-OFFICE IN THE COUNTY. 

OFFICE IN CITIZENS' BANK BUILDING. 



JOB PRINTING. 

WE HAVE EXCELLENT FACILITIES FOR 

JOB pmxK'X'zira' 

AND ARE PREPARED TO PRINT IN THE LATEST STYLE ALL KINDS OF 

BLANKS, CIRCULARS, POSTERS, BOOKS, 

PAMPHLETS, CARDS AND ENVELOPES 

AS CME^P AS CAN BE DONE IN TH Z STATE. 
36 



.\l)\'EIiTI<E-MENTS. 



WEST END- 

FOUNDRY 



AND 



MACHINE SHOP, 

GREENFIELD, INDIANA. 



Manufactures Sllaf'tint^^ , Coupling's, Pulleys. Hangers, Saw Arbors, and all kinds of 

IVVSTINGS AND SPECIAL MACHINERY 

Ui]>;iiririL; steam ergines and reapers promptly a]i 1 i eatly e.vernted. 




CONSTANTLY OX HAND, THE CELKBRATED 

Ashcraft Steam and Water Gaiioes! 

ALSO, 

(ins Supifes, Jet Pyiii|is, Ralii ilal, Cifju'r tuid Lead Pijii; 

RUBBER HOSE, 
Glim and Leather Beltinfi;, Cotton Waste, Iron Sinks, 

AND RADIATORS. 

J. R. ABBOTT, Proprietor. 
77 & 79 West Main Street. 



ad\ertisi-:ment.s. 



'^imi 



FMlIie K 



LL 



'riic In-st and only mills in the county with all the inoJcrii impniveinents and t'acilities 

liir makina- 



THE NXSIV PROCESS ! 



AXD ALL Tin; 



BEST GRADES OF FLO UR AND MEAL 



The Highest Cash Price Paid for 

G-RA.IZSr OF .A.LIL IvIISTDS. 

I'lour and teed constantlv on hand at reasonable rates. We arc also proprietors ot'the 

Masonic Hall Grocery ! 

Where is kept eonstanlU on liaiul a lull line ot' 

Staple and Fancy Groceries! 

CANNED FRUITS, TOBACCOS, ' 



And cvcrythinij usnallv kept in a tirsl-class oroeery store. Lull and see us before p 
.hasinij elsewhere, and oblisje 



ALEXAMIEK, NEW .Sc lillDlS, Pr(i|iriet(irs. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



DISPENSING DRUGGIST, 

GREENFIELD, IJiJDIAlSA. 



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DEALER IN AXU MAN UFACTIIREK OF 

Liiiiiber, Latlis, Sliiiiiflcs, Doors, Sasli. 

Blinds, Mouldings, Flooring, Siding, Frames, Etc. 

FACTORY AND YARD, 

East Main Street, Greenfield, Indiana, 

18 SHOE STORE. 



New, t'rcsli ji^dods — not an old pair in the hoMse to sliovc oH. Wc will -.liow tliu 
lust line of winter hoots lor men, boys and youths, ever sliown in Hancock county. 
Tlicv will he in August lotli. Don't forget to see them before you buy. Also, a splen- 
did line of jewelry, ^When you want a w atcli that you can rely ui)on, come and see \is. 

GLIDDEN & MILLIKAN. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 

JAMES M. MORGAIV, 

DKAI.EK IN 

BUGGIES, CARRIAGES, 

AM) 

Harness of Yario^is Kinds and Styles 

To suit the tnulc, :intl of the best quality, at 

ROGK-BOTTOM RATEES. 

ALSO THE PROPRIETOR OF THE 

LIVERY AND FEED STABLES 

On State Street, North of the Public Square. 

GREENFIELD, - - INDIANA. 

THE BOSS SHOE SHOP, 

Xortli .State St., Xcxt Door to Po.st Office, 
GREEISFIELD, INOIAISA. 



Hoots and shoes of e\crv kind autl quality made to order. Rates reasonable. 
Motto: Good work and fair dealing. 



M. S. WALKER, Proprietor. 



STILL HERE AND ATTHEHEAD! 



Ilax ini; refitted my shop. I ha\ e endeavored to make it the only 

FIRST-CLASS PLACE 

Ir. the city. I am the only one that makes barbcrinir a spceialty. I exiel in the art ol 
liair eutlin<r. All work warranted. 

GUS SUESS, 

Under Citizens' Bank, Greenfield, Ind. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



O. K. BAKERY 

AND 

XIV'XVa'Gli- XX.A.IL.X. 

NO. 25 MAIN STREET, 

GllEENFIELi:), INDIANA. 



WARM MEALS AT ALL HOURS! 

ALSO. 

Oysters, Leinoiiade and lee Cream in tlieir Season ! 

A Fl'LL LINE OF 

Confectionery, Cigars and Tobacco 

CONSTANJ'EY OX IIANO. 

FAUCY CAKE BAKING MADE A SPECIALTY. 

Ice cic;nii inuili.- X<> nrdcv (in short iiotici- lor ]);irtiL-s ;iiici \\ uddinijs. 

JAMES DEMAREE, Proprietor. 

THE STAR GROCERY ! 

No. 7 North Side Main Street, 

GREGNFIEI^D^ - - INDIANA, 

Kiciis constantly on li;uul tlu- hirycst anil licst assortnuiil ol' 

Staple and Fancy Groceries ! 

Canned Fruits and Tobaccos 

In tlic citv. Also a full line of 

WOODEN, GLASS AND QUEENSWARE ! 

Ami such other articles as are nsually kept in a 
Onr niolto: CJniek sales an.l small protils. 

GEO. F. HAUCK, Proprietor. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 



RESTAURANT i BAKERY, 

XO. 2:] MAIN STREET, 

Greenfield, - - - - . Indiana. 



Warm Meals at all Reasonable Hours ! 

Ice Cream, Lemonade, 

Soda Water, Oysters, &c., in their Season. 

CONFECTIONER Y, 

TOBACCO AND CIGARS 

To Suit the Taste of the Most Fastidious. 

The Most Reasonable Terms and Fair Dealing'. 

JOHN BOHM, Proprietor. 
F R A > K M . C R A W F O 1^ D, 

MAKKS A Sl'ECIAI.TV Ol 

PAPER HANGING AND DECORATING. 

Motto: Good Work and Fair Dealing. 

J. M. DALRYMPLE, 

MANLKACTLKER OK AND DEALER IN AI.I. Kl.VDSOl- 

LIGHT ? HEAVY HARNESS, 

Harness Oil, Saddles. Bridles, Lap Robes, 

hu M&% FIj Ms, Lii|) Mm, Eom) aiiJ leaiii ll'lii))s, 

Collars. Hames, Chains, and everything usually kept in a first-class harness shop. One 
iloorSouth of Citizens'' Bank, Greenfield, Ind. All work warranteil. 



ADVERTISEMENTS. 

THE 





I) 




^'J 



THE ONLY 



REPUBLICAN NEWSPAPER 



Published in Hancock County, 



Is Issued on Wednesday of Each Week. 



Terms: One Dollar Per Annum. 



All Kinds of Job 'Work 



Dcme at the Rcpubliciin ofKcf with neatness and dispatcli, on the most lih.Tal Kri 
Address, 



THE GREENFIELD EEPUBLICAN COMPANY, 



ozt.Z3x:xa'x*X£;xj33, xiO'X>x.A.i>3'.^k.. 





J. K. HENBY. 

DEALER IN 

FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL TREES, 



GREENFIELD. INDIANA. 



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Treatment Date: 



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AUG 1393 
llllBaBI^KEEPEd 

PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES. LP. 
1 Thomson Park Drive 



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